THE GREY

An intriguing EP without a doubt, this is the worst piece Agalloch has put out. Obviously an experimental work, this EP consists of only two songs both from their album "The Mantle" but radically changed, (especially the second song). The titles are quite aptly named as well.

The Lodge (Dismantled) is precisely that. This is actually the original song from "The Mantle" but... dismantled. Deconstructed. That is an interesting way to look at it, the deconstruction of something constructed, kind of like a post modern painting or the writings of Derrida.

Anyway, this song takes pieces from the original song, (which was acoustic) and plays it heavier, and much more drawn out. It is a very challenging, and rewarding song. The slow, heavy, repetitive foundation slowly builds, adding beautiful soloing over it until you reach a powerful climax. The section in the later middle is particularly striking, where you have the guitars playing some beautiful and melodic harmony, with a really simple, (yet perfect) bass riff under it. The whole song there is also a fairly minimal, yet superb, drum beat playing. When you lay down and really absorb this song it is incredibly powerful and moving.

However, this is only up to nine and a half minutes. If the song ended there, it would've been brilliant. Sadly, the last three and a half minutes are, quite literally, noise.

Odal (Nothing Remix) is, again, exactly what the title says. A remix of Odal that is, well...nothing. This sounds nothing like the original song and is not even really a song at all. This is a purely ambient piece. There are no instruments, no rhythm, flow, nothing. Simply various industrial/ominous/low register sound for close to eight minutes. I am not sure how anyone can enjoy such a thing.

OK, so we have one song that is a total zero, and one that is quite excellent until the end, which is unbearable. It is also quite different from anything Agalloch has ever done. Though post metal elements are in their music it has never been taken to the level of "The Lodge (Dismantled)" and they certainly have never made any noise release before. Therefore, I am giving this album a 1.5 since it's better then pure garbage, but many fans probably would not like it.

ONE AND A HALF STARS

Bump: One Star