Of Stone, Wind And Pillor Review

Released: May 28, 2001
Genre: Doom Metal
Label: The End Records
Number Of Tracks: 5
Of Wind, Stone, and Pillor is is an EP by American dark metal band Agalloch.

Sound:	8
Lyrics:	5
Impression:	8
Overall rating:	7
Users rating:	9.2
Comments:	8

overall: 7

Reviewed by: you = fail, on november 12, 2009

Sound: Of Wind, Stone, and Pillor is an EP by American dark metal band Agalloch. It was originally meant to be released as a 7" vinyl in Dec '98 on Iron First Productions (with only the first 3 songs), but that never happened, and was later released in 2001 via The End Records with 2 bonus tracks. "Kneel To The Cross" was recorded in 2001, and "A Poem By Yeats" was recorded in 2000. This release was limited to 2500 copies (Wikipedia).

This EP is pretty on par with most of Agalloch's prior EPs. It does not reach 30 minutes in length and it showcases the styles of some of the forthcoming album's sound. The band has always mixed folk into their music and they do a good job throughout the album. The title track is lacking some of the folk infusion but I believe the band was trying to create a powerful track that would sell their EP, and if that is the case they did a great job. The title track is stellar.

Typically Agalloch sound and stylings are found on this EP and will keep any fan intrigued for the duration. I found the EP to be great, but not as great as From Which of this Oak. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: The only song that I found annoying vocally was Kneel to the Cross because of the repetitiveness of the chanting. I do realize it was chanting, but I found it to be an earsore.

The singer uses typical black metal vocals, which I find incredibly demonic. I do not listen to this type of music for the lyrics, but I suspect that the lyrics are dark and about impending doom. I do not feel I can adequately rate this section because I listen to Agalloch for the music genious, not the lyrics. So I will grade based on vocal stylings. I do not listen to black metal, but I do like the vocalist, and I dont know how great he is compared to other black metalists. // 5

Impression: My favorite songs on the EP are the title track and Haunting Birds because I found them musically stimulating. I would love to be able to play these songs but I do not have the time to learn everything about that songs that I would like to get out of them. Agalloch is one of my favorite bands because they are consistent in their sound and they make beautiful music. If you are looking for anything to kick around with on a rainy day, I definitely suggest putting this EP on. Beautiful. // 8

Comments

[jetfuel495]

After reading this review, I can say, without a doubt, that I have no idea what you're talking about.

[IsThereLoveInSp]

Ill have you know that the lyrics/vocals on Kneel to the Cross are awesome >_>

Good review though, and I definitely agree with the rest of what you said. Its cool stuff, but they certainly have gotten much better with age

[huevos]

Yes, Agalloch are incredibly demonic.
Fuck being troo and kvlt. Or grim.

:haha:

Imo, the lyrics and vocals enhance the songs, providing an atmospheric backdrop on top of the music.
I don't have this album, but I've heard Kneel to the Cross and the chanting is quite unsettling to me.

[Golem29]

jetfuel495 wrote:

After reading this review, I can say, without a doubt, that I have no idea what you're talking about.

What he said

[cotton3434]

Amazing band. I'd give this an 8 or so, but yeah, I agree with the chanting bit... it's somewhat annoying. Kneel to the Cross is probably my least favorite song by them.

[I_hate_kyle]

Kneel to the Cross is a cover song... in case any of you didn't know. I quite like it personally. This isn't my favorite EP of theirs but it's solid stuff.

[Sabbath89]

Amazing album. One of my favorites. I don't know how you can dislike Kneel to the Cross, such an awesome tune.

If you are looking for a band similar to Agalloch check out Woods of Ypres.

[henkka_potku]

I love Agalloch. I'd give it a 9.