I had my first listen to the whole album last night. I laid in bed just absorbing the music and powerful and crushing lyrics as much as possible (I was surprised there wasn't a catharsis, though it helped in the doom/depressive overtone of the album.)
I have to say that not only will this be my favorite album of 2008, but it's my favorite album of all time (so far). I love it for so many reasons, a few of them being the powerful, introverted but familiar lyrics, the vocals (both clean and growling), the genre-busting variations from what seems to be black/blackened death to ambient to folk with superb melodic hooks that could catch anyone with no more than a few seconds of listening, and the instrumentation in general.
To be honest, I thought the CD's greatness may have been a bit over exaggerated, until I fully listened to it. Anyone who says this is one of the greatest albums ever released is completely justified in saying so.
With all that being said, I'd like to extend a thanks to everyone in Woods of Ypres. I'd like to extend a special thanks to Dave for being persistent and completing this. I could only imagine how much stress you've all gone through in creating this, making sure it was perfect. I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say we're very appreciative of your work.
This is a great way to start 2008, with a fresh outlook on life through the perspective and influence of Woods of Ypres. Here's to the band,
. May there be many more years of music and releases!