CoC : Agalloch - The Mantle : Review

Agalloch - _The Mantle_
(The End, 2002)
by: Aaron McKay (9.5 out of 10)

Few albums come along that instill this kind of powerful inspiration upon a listener. Twist all the finest elements of Ulver's liquid madness with the serenity of Borknagar and the illusive nature of Agalloch begins to take shape. Darkness imbues every sunken pore on this hauntingly crevice sounding outpouring leaving you drained and fulfilled at the same time upon _The Mantle_'s conclusion. Words are a total failure when faced with describing Agalloch's gossamer depth. Believe me when I say the conceptual instrumentation on this CD opens before you like a hypnotic display from Pandora's box. Each and every one of the nine tracks play out on _The Mantle_ like passionate movements from a dream of emphatic longing and self-discovery. Nothing short of enrapture will suffice when overcome by the waves of heavy-hearted, nightshade-laced emotion _The Mantle_ delivers. Truly an offering to be taken in fully and -felt- rather than simply listened to. If this is Agalloch's sophomore effort, I'm unsure I will scarcely be able to comprehend what's to come...

(article published 1/9/2002)

ALBUMS
5/30/2014	M Dolson	9.5	Agalloch - The Serpent & the Sphere
12/8/2010	J Carbon	8.5	Agalloch - Marrow of the Spirit
8/12/2006	P Azevedo	9	Agalloch - Ashes Against the Grain
10/19/2004	Q Kalis	5.5	Agalloch - The Grey
8/12/2001	B Meloon	7	Agalloch - Of Stone, Wind, and Pillor
7/7/1999	B Meloon	9	Agalloch - Pale Folklore

GIGS
3/28/2011	J Carbon	Agalloch / Worm Ouroboros / Vindensang / Aeriel Ruin	The Gods in Ruins