The origins of Agalloch date back to 1995 and the disintegration of the band Aeolachrymae. As that group died, three phoenixes emerged from the ashes, Sussurrus Inanis, Nothing, and Agalloch. Mixing black metal with atmospheric textures, gothic doom, and neo-folk and post-rock touches, the Portland, OR-based group quickly developed a rabid cult following. Their first demo, From Which of This Oak, was recorded in 1996; in 1998, they recorded another demo and shopped it around to labels. Their efforts paid off as the group landed a deal with The End Records. The following year the guys -- vocalist/guitarist John Haughm, bassist Jason William Walton, guitarist John Anderson, and keyboardist Shane Breyer -- released their experimental and brooding debut, Pale Folklore. The EP Of Stone, Wind and Pillor appeared in 2001 before Agalloch's critically acclaimed sophomore effort, The Mantle, hit stores in 2002. Four years passed before the band released their next full-length, Ashes Against the Grain, again to high critical and fan praise.

Gary Hill
AllMusic.com