RC March Madness - Elite 8 accompanying thread

JayKeeley

JayKeeley

Be still, O wand'rer!
Apr 26, 2002
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Don't want to jazz up the other thread because it makes the tallying easier for Zod. Let me also preface by saying I'm ok with any band winning because this is all a good laugh.

I'll be honest and give my 2 cents as to how I voted. Everyone can feel free to do the same. :)

Drudkh vs Wolves:
I can listen to that Drudkh from start to finish. Sometimes I think it's better than Autumn Aurora. The Wolves stuff, albeit excellent, is something I don't think I've ever listened to from start to finish (in one sitting).

D666 vs Hammers:
Hammers goes without saying just because of its unique factor. I mean it's on a whole different level -- even spiritual -- but fuck, I love me some Destroyer too for beer and metal time too! Thing is, it's not exactly a landmark example of genius in that regard. It's just low brow fist pumping metal and serves as a good sugar rush.

Negura vs Enslaved:
Negura is a magnificent release, really deep and takes you on a complete journey. Ever walked through a woodland area listening to that? Now, Enslaved absolutely should not have made it this far with Below the Lights. I'm sorry, it's a great album, but to be a quarter finalist with that release seems like a reeaaal stretch....that said, I wouldn't be saying the same thing about "Monumension".

Primordial vs. Agalloch:
Primordial probably wins it for "Coffin Ships" alone plus there's the whole "live at HC" factor coming into play where they supported this album with a legendary performance. Plus Nemtheanga is just a fucking GREAT ambassador for this music scene if you ask me. The Mantle, conversely, sits behind both Pale Folklore and Ashes Against the Grain in my Agallochian harem.

There you go.
 
aren't these tournaments fun?

It's like, if you vote against [XYZ] then you vote for the terrorists

meanwhile, 97.3% of this forum owns every single album in the last 8

:tickled:
 
The most interesting match up for me was between Primordial and Agalloch. Agalloch are easily a top 3 of all time band for me, and I love Primoridal too, but I find both those discs to be quite overrated in this forum. The Mantle is easily my least favourite Agalloch (although it's obviously still great, but I do find it a little tedious to sit through the whole thing these days) and TGW (with the exception of the utterly fantastic Coffin Ships) certainly isn't an album I pull out very often.

None of these albums would be in my top 50 or anything, although I love nearly all of those bands.
 
JayKeeley said:
Negura vs Enslaved:
Negura is a magnificent release, really deep and takes you on a complete journey. Ever walked through a woodland area listening to that? Now, Enslaved absolutely should not have made it this far with Below the Lights. I'm sorry, it's a great album, but to be a quarter finalist with that release seems like a reeaaal stretch....that said, I wouldn't be saying the same thing about "Monumension".
Click to expand...

I've voted for Enslaved a few times up to this point but I had to give this one to Negura. And were it Monumension, I'd still be voting Enslaved.
 
First two were a given for me. I dislike Hammers and haven't heard Wolves (will soon be remedied).

If it was Vikingligr Veldi against N Crugu, it would be a tougher decision as I think Below the Lights is Enslaved's weakest other than Isa. Om gets better and better. Best album of 2006

Agalloch vs Primordial: Neither album is the bands' best. I went with my gut.
 
For some bands, it's impossible to pick one disc. Take Enslaved, if you asked forum members to order their catalog from most to least favorite, not only wouldn't you see the same list twice, you'd probably end up with at least five different #1s among the various lists. So, while "Below the Lights" may not deserve a quarter finals spot, if we were voting on catalogs, Enslaved would probably make the Final Four. And I can't help but think, quality of overall catalog seeps into the decision making process for some people.

Zod
 
General Zod said:
And I can't help but think, quality of overall catalog seeps into the decision making process for some people.
Click to expand...

Oh for sure. At this level, it's more than just said release that comes into play when making the decision.

Overall, Enslaved probably have the better catalog. That said, Negura's last two albums >>>> last two Enslaved albums

Half the reason why I voted Primordial is because I like Nemtheanga. :)
 
Drudkh vs Wolves in the Throne Room:
Replay value is perhaps the aspect I consider most in these tournaments, and while Diadem of 12 Stars is a great album, I simply haven't listened to it nearly as much as Blood in Our Wells, which was my second favorite album of last year - right underneath Ashes Against the Grain. In fact, BiOW is my favorite Drudkh and the one I reach for most out of the four I own. Diadem is a daunting listen because the songs are so long, and, similar to OM, it constructs an atmosphere that requires concentrated listening - so much so that casual listening just doesn't work with either of the above-mentioned. Thus, it was a pretty easy decision for me, even though both albums in question are great.

Destroyer 666 vs Hammers of Misfortune:
Out of the records that remain, The August Engine is the only one I haven't heard, so choosing Destroyer 666 over Hammers of Misfortune was a given. The Locust Years is good but not great, I think, and didn't spur me to pick up their back catalog. Still, I'd probably buy their first two albums if I saw them somewhere for cheap, or used.

Negura Bunget vs Enslaved:
I just don't feel the urge to listen to Negura Bunget as much as Enslaved. And dare I say I'm never in an NB mood despite owning and enjoying most of their discography. Enslaved, however, are one of my favorite bands, and Below the Lights is a great album I've listened to a hundred times over. Unlike many of you, I really enjoy Isa and Ruun, too. I don't think Enslaved have a bad record in them, and I like the direction they've been heading.

Primordial vs. Agalloch:
I'm in the minority here, again, as I find Primordial utterly boring - judging solely by The Gathering Wilderness, which I bought, listened to a lot, and then ultimately sold. Agalloch, however, are another one of my favorites who can do no wrong. I think they've improved with each release, and The Mantle is strong all around. Easy choice.

They're you go.
 
OK so who wants a preview...so far the votes tally as such:

Drudkh 16 vs Wolves 8
D666 14 vs Hammers 12
Negura 19 vs Enslaved 7
Primordial 11 vs Agalloch 15

It's looking like a Drudkh vs D666 and Negura vs Agalloch semifinal showdown!!!

Anything can happen between now and semi-finals day....but are we looking at a Drudkh vs Negura final?
 
As much as I love Hammers, which is a fucking lot, Phoenix is one of my all-time favorite albums and I can in no good conscience vote against it.

The rest were relatively easy. My vote for Primordial, who never really grabbed me by the balls and shook, is more a vote against that boring-as-shit Agalloch album.
 
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