Nearly two decades into their existence, Agalloch have moved themselves forward into new sonic landscapes with The Serpent & The Sphere. Agalloch have once again redefined their own sound while honoring their past and also continuing to incorporate their remarkably diverse range of influences in new ways.
Agalloch begin The Serpent & The Sphere’s with the opening track “Birth and Death of the Pillars of Creation” begins gently with some clean guitar. As the strings echo back onto one another over and over, a muscular and crushing riff rips through. Dense and rich guitars engulf the atmosphere in total darkness. All of that happens within the first minute and a half of the song. From beautiful to monolithic that quickly is not something many bands do as deftly as Agalloch. An inspired way to begin.
“(serpens caput)” is a gorgeous and ethereal acoustic guitar track that bleeds into the far more aggressive “The Astral Dialogue”. Agalloch’s use of contrast and dynamics always stands out greatly when I listen to their albums and again is on full display through The Serpent & The Sphere. “Dark Matter Gods” begins with some psyched out guitar and rim tapping, but picks up a ferocious and vicious pace quickly. In a stark contrast, “Celestial Effigy” begins quite bright, triumphant even. Whispered vocals become more forceful, melting into and taking control of the song.
“Cor Serpentis (the sphere)” is a shimmering track of acoustic guitar and is followed by “Vales Beyond Dimension,” which for me, feels like the most explosive song present. “Plateau of the Ages” is a vast and densely layered epic. It builds upon itself, steadily rising and greatly heightens The Serpent & The Sphere emotional texture, bringing the album to a grand and climatic apex . Everything about it is enormous. “(serprens cauda)” concludes The Serpent & The Sphere softly. One final time, the acoustic guitar rings out and fades away into the void.
Immense presence, complexity, and density create the elaborate and often times majestic tapestry of The Serpent & The Sphere. It soars and Agalloch left me with my jaw in my lap yet again. Highly recommended listening.
Rating: 5/5
https://www.facebook.com/AgallochOfficial
Paul runs Bleeding Light Records.