MARROW OF THE SPIRIT

What happened? In my reviews of Agalloch's preceeding efforts, I wrote, essentially (spoiler alert!) that they were adequate but unexceptional. Then along comes this, a much darker and heavier release ' much closer to their Black Metal origins ' and it's a formula that really works. The musicality is still there, which is made apparent right from the outset with a tastefully classical-sounding introduction track, which is then mirrored in the final track. But it's enough that this feels more like a beautifully melodic black metal album, in parts oddly reminiscent of French band Peste Noire (albeit without the horrendous politics). A lineup change is, perhaps, partly to be credited for the shift in style: a new drummer, whose work sits comparatively prominently in the recording, driving the music elegantly and unstoppably forward. The guitar work is different too, feeling more centred around genuine riffs, as opposed to being used purely as a 'mood-generator'.

An extremely good album, of interest to anyone seeking the heavier end of post-metal or the more melodic end of black metal. Particularly of note is the album opener proper, Into The Painted Grey.

4/5