- Feb 9, 2005
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Agalloch – Ashes Against the Grain
The End Records – GRAU006 – August 8th, 2006
By Zack Attaran
When you’ve been waiting for something for four years, you’re going to make yourself like it. Whether it’s an Agalloch CD, or not, four years is too long to wait to merely dismiss the subject to collect dust after only a few listens. Therein lies Ashes Against The Grain’s first beauty. Like a fine wine, this CD has been fermenting for quite some time, and now that the cork’s been popped, it’s better than ever. What more could an Agalloch fan ask for? From start to finish, this album is a masterpiece, demanding the listener’s attention from the dissonant, yet beautiful intro, to the soothing feedback of the final piece. To me, this album is one that begs to be listened to in its entirety, and the same experience achieved by one full listen is comparable to climbing a mountain and taking in the scenery. While the peak is magnificent, the trek makes it that much better. Sure, certain songs do stand above one another, but rarely will you find me sitting down to listen to my favorite pieces. If I press play, I intend to take it all in, not just a portion. For instance, the dynamics on this CD are incredible, and one would surely miss the ungodly amounts of buildup if they chose to bypass certain tracks. In short, Ashes Against the Grain is a journey not to be missed.
The burning question still does loom, however. Does this pale in the shadow of its companion? Our heroes last left us with their other stroke of genius, The Mantle. Its differences to Ashes Against the Grain are subtle, and you would be able to tell it was Agalloch if you were blindfolded, but those differences are prevalent. What sets this album apart from its predecessor, though, is its overall tone, one that tends to lean to the heavier side. Take a listen to ’Not Unlike the Waves’ and you’ll surely see the heavier aspects that are rampant. What’s more, is that the vocals tend to have a bit more grimness in them, and more singing in general than the last. Even long instrumental pieces like ’Odal’ have taken the back burner and are almost non-existent here. Next on the list, and normally a factor that isn’t that important to me is the production, especially of the drums. Would the album still receive the same score had the production been the same as the The Mantle? Yes, but it’s those minor added bonuses that I just love, almost like finding money on the ground. Finally, I absolutely worship the glorious three piece epic, ’Our Fortress is Burning, a marvelous finish to a stunning album.
So is it better? Does it top The Mantle? You betcha. Overall, I don’t think they necessarily improved, because it’s the difference in style that I enjoy more, but The Mantle is still one of my favorites. So how come this doesn’t bear the mark of a classic, a venerated “10/10”? I just don’t see this as an album that people 20 years from now will talk about as a milestone in metal, or an idol and staple influence for every band to come. So there you have it. The wait was worth it, and if things go accordingly, come 2009, our pallets will be thirsty again, and if Agalloch maintains their incredible prestige, we won’t be disappointed.
9.5/10
UM’s Review Rating Scale
Official Agalloch Website
Official The End Records Website
The End Records – GRAU006 – August 8th, 2006
By Zack Attaran
When you’ve been waiting for something for four years, you’re going to make yourself like it. Whether it’s an Agalloch CD, or not, four years is too long to wait to merely dismiss the subject to collect dust after only a few listens. Therein lies Ashes Against The Grain’s first beauty. Like a fine wine, this CD has been fermenting for quite some time, and now that the cork’s been popped, it’s better than ever. What more could an Agalloch fan ask for? From start to finish, this album is a masterpiece, demanding the listener’s attention from the dissonant, yet beautiful intro, to the soothing feedback of the final piece. To me, this album is one that begs to be listened to in its entirety, and the same experience achieved by one full listen is comparable to climbing a mountain and taking in the scenery. While the peak is magnificent, the trek makes it that much better. Sure, certain songs do stand above one another, but rarely will you find me sitting down to listen to my favorite pieces. If I press play, I intend to take it all in, not just a portion. For instance, the dynamics on this CD are incredible, and one would surely miss the ungodly amounts of buildup if they chose to bypass certain tracks. In short, Ashes Against the Grain is a journey not to be missed.
The burning question still does loom, however. Does this pale in the shadow of its companion? Our heroes last left us with their other stroke of genius, The Mantle. Its differences to Ashes Against the Grain are subtle, and you would be able to tell it was Agalloch if you were blindfolded, but those differences are prevalent. What sets this album apart from its predecessor, though, is its overall tone, one that tends to lean to the heavier side. Take a listen to ’Not Unlike the Waves’ and you’ll surely see the heavier aspects that are rampant. What’s more, is that the vocals tend to have a bit more grimness in them, and more singing in general than the last. Even long instrumental pieces like ’Odal’ have taken the back burner and are almost non-existent here. Next on the list, and normally a factor that isn’t that important to me is the production, especially of the drums. Would the album still receive the same score had the production been the same as the The Mantle? Yes, but it’s those minor added bonuses that I just love, almost like finding money on the ground. Finally, I absolutely worship the glorious three piece epic, ’Our Fortress is Burning, a marvelous finish to a stunning album.
So is it better? Does it top The Mantle? You betcha. Overall, I don’t think they necessarily improved, because it’s the difference in style that I enjoy more, but The Mantle is still one of my favorites. So how come this doesn’t bear the mark of a classic, a venerated “10/10”? I just don’t see this as an album that people 20 years from now will talk about as a milestone in metal, or an idol and staple influence for every band to come. So there you have it. The wait was worth it, and if things go accordingly, come 2009, our pallets will be thirsty again, and if Agalloch maintains their incredible prestige, we won’t be disappointed.
9.5/10
UM’s Review Rating Scale
Official Agalloch Website
Official The End Records Website
