Faustian Echoes

New year and the blog rolls along with some Agalloch. This is somewhat of a different release. 'Faustian Echoes' is an EP. More specifically it's a 21 minute two part song. Originally released in 2012 as a digital download to coincide with their North American tour, the CD and LP were only available at shows initially.  The track is the longest in Agalloch's catalog. The song is based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's play "Faust". For those unfamiliar with the subject matter, "Faust" is a two part tragic play. Gotta think sometimes to listen to Metal. In typical Agalloch fashion the song itself is crafted around the English translation of the play and features film samples to supplement the track. The film samples are from 94's "Faust" by Jan Svankmajer.

Agalloch for me is one of the bands that I find fascinating. Each EP and album seem to progress the band into something greater. This EP is a prime example that Metal can be smart and not be stereotyped into the ground. The band has also seem to release things in a limited amount.This EP is no different. Limited to 2,500 copies. The EP is brilliantly done with the B side an etching. The etching is Delacroix's "Mephistopheles flying over Wittenberg". The CD cover is a bit different from the LP cover. The CD cover is Faust Lisant (Faust Reading) by Salvador Dali.

A little about the EP. Recorded live to a 2-inch tape at Jackpot Studios in Portland Oregon in March 2012. The LP was released on the bands own label, Dammerung Arts (KH007). This is the first time this EP was played and most likely the last.

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