Agalloch's third CD is an interesting combination of styles. The Portland, Oregon band blends progressive metal, black metal, doom metal, industrial and gothic metal into a complex and compelling sound.
The songs are all very long, most ranging from 7 to 10 minutes long. Each track is a mini opus, incorporating all or most of the aforementioned styles. There are long instrumental sections punctuated by flurries of black metal raspy vocals. There are also some gothic style melodic vocals.
Agalloch have succeeded in creating intricate and experimental songs that are also interesting and melodic. With songs of this length and breadth there's a danger of veering off into self-indulgence and repetition that will bore the listener, but that doesn't happen here. Instead Ashes Against The Grain is a dark and majestic CD you can listen to dozens of times and always discover something new.
