Agalloch @ The Miramar Theatre 07.19.12

There's few things that top a night with one of your favorite bands and in the case of Agalloch you're talking about a band I've been following since the early days of, 'Pale Folklore.' This was my second time seeing the band as well the second time they've played at The Miramar Theatre here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and much to my delight there wasn't a boring moment the entire night.

This was somewhat of a strange night though as no local openers were hitting the stage first, which in all seriousness is a great thing, but still a strange occurrence. Therefore, up first was Taurus, who just like Agalloch happen to come from Portland, Oregon as well. This two-piece band, which consisted of drummer Ashley Spungin and guitarist/vocalist Stevie Floyd (also member of Dark Castle) played a sort of drone/doom metal similar to Sunn O))), though with perhaps more experimentation and vivid psychedlia to go with it. Taurus' music was exceedingly loud and nearly earth shaking with heaviness, while Stevie screamed and howled over these rapturous vibrations of doom. While the two gals jammed a large projection screen played out various odd scenes, which may or may not have been from a movie (I forget what Stevie told me when I talked to her later on), but apparently the duo plans to make their own movies for future use too. In any case, this was music to totally lose your mind to, perhaps several beers would have done the trick (I was only on #3 at the time), but psychedelic drugs of some sort sure would have been great too. Definitely not a band for everyone, but definitely a worthy and interesting band to open the night.

Taurus has recently released their debut, 'Life,' which can be purchased at http://taurusisdust.bandcamp.com/ in either mp3, CD, LP format or as a luxurious box set, which I plan to buy soon enough. And enjoy this short but interesting video I shot near the end of the bands set.



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With only one opening band Agalloch began to set up their gear and after maybe just thirty minutes they were ready to play. I should point out first though that while the Miramar is a decent venue, soundwise, appearance and all that, it is however ungodly warm during summer shows. So much so that its basically like being in a sauna (or on a Finnish bus ride). I think this sweltering feeling added to Taurus' earlier mentioned psychedelic vibes since we were all sweating, fatiguing and instead of drinking water were just buying more beer (come on, this is Milwaukee after all). So, buy the time Agalloch hit the stage I'd already put back a few and was feeling quite good already.

If I remember correctly (too much beer, man!) Agalloch opened with, 'Falling Snow' from, 'Ashes Against the Grain,' which sounded great right about then, but there wasn't anything chilly going on during this opening song. Nevertheless, this opening song was played with much conviction and although it seemed like not many were getting wild just yet, they would soon enough. 'The Watcher's Monolith' from, 'Marrow of the Spirit' would follow, much to my delight too since its one of my favs from their latest album.

'Faustian Echoes' the massive twenty minute epic from the brand new single of the same name came next. I first heard this song a few weeks ago when I was still in Finland on vacation and was quite pleased and surprised to hear such a song from Agalloch. Interestingly this is Agalloch at their blackest I'd say, but of course its not without the bands well known charm. At any rate they played the whole entire song, all of it, man, but I had to duck out for a few minutes to piss, take a breather outside and of course get more drinks for my comrades.

Tons of other great songs would succeed this monster, such as, 'I Am the Wooden Doors,' 'You Were but a Ghost in My Arms,' 'Hallways of Enchanted Ebony,' 'Our Fortress Is Burning... I & II,' 'In the Shadow of Our Pale Companion,' 'Ghosts of the Midwinter Fires' and they'd close the set perfectly with, 'Dead Winter Days' and 'Kneel to the Cross.' I'd hope to hear, 'Into the Painted Grey' since its one of their faster numbers, as well my personal Agalloch anthem, 'As Embers Dress the Sky' wasn't present, but they played it last time, anyway. There may have been one or two other songs that have skipped my memory, but all in all the band must have played nearly two hours, which is mightily impressive.

Earlier in the evening I purchased the, 'Faustian Echoes' LP, which looks and sounds amazing, as well I picked up the, 'Whitedivisiongrey' comp. for the exclusive songs, but oddly no shirts this time around. I guess sometimes even when you are nearly broke you just can't go all out.

After the show my friends and I would hang with drummer Aesop and found that he was an insanely awesome metal dude, likewise the Taurus gals were out there and it was fun talking to them about their performance as well as taking a silly photo together. Eventually Don would come outside and I got to chat with him and take a photo together. It was cool meeting him since we'd talked a bit in the past and he even helped Lunar Hypnosis out for a short period in 2005. A damn fine evening if I ever had one.

If there was anything to complain about I could have done without the moshers bashing into me (and now giving me a sore back/neck), but I guess that's even going to happen at shows where you don't expect it. Besides that not a whole lot more can be said other than the night was pretty much perfect and as far as the bands were concerned I feel charmed after seeing Agalloch again and feel that I appreciate their music even more so. Likewise I look forward to hearing and following Taurus in the years to come.

I'd originally considered going to the show tonight in Chicago, but between the ticket price, alcohol, gas for the car and the time on the road (over four there and back) I had to think differently. Plus I'm broke as hell and have to work tonight, anyway. However if you're in Chicago do the right thing and go check these two incredible bands out, as well enjoy them if they are coming to your city in the next couple days/weeks. A tip of the mug and thumbs up to Taurus and Agalloch.



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