We have been waiting for 10 years and finally, on January 26, 2018, Agrimonia return with a brand-new album. Awake is their fourth release and the second for Southern Lord. The band has evolved notably over this period. Their sound has always been dense, immersive – ambitious, even – and on Awake, the band has evolved their prog-infused form of expansive metal into something energetic, dynamic and powerful.
Formed in Sweden in 2005 by Christina, Martin (At the Gates, Skitsystem), Björn (Miasmal) and Pontus (Miasmal,Martyrdöd), Agrimonia released its self-titled demo in 2008 before releasing its first full-length album, Host of the Winged, in 2010. Their second full-length album, Rites of Separation, was released in 2013. The Swedish post-metal/crust band’s Awake is a turning point for Agrimonia.
Every track is a deep inquiry into human existence. Throughout the record we can hear the influences of the crust/punk scene in Sweden; however, Agrimonia blends a variety of genres to create a unique sound. Harsh vocals, simple grooves, blast beats, beautiful soundscapes, this release has it all. It’s melodic, it’s really heavy and completely expansive.
Awake opens with “A World Unseen,” a beautiful track and a perfect example of what you can expect from the rest of the album. It starts off with a slow and heavy sound before continuing into the part with Christina’s harsh and aggressive vocals. The sound is deep and solid with stunning melodies, heavy parts and a quieter ending. The second song, “Astray,” drags the listener into a dark universe where there is no hope. Over eleven minutes, the slow beginning evolves into a groovy section where keyboards and guitars create a perfect combination. “Foreshadowed” starts with a delicate melody that grows faster and aggressive and carries the listener to the hypnotic and delicate “Awaken.” This track is a nice quiet passage that is unified with wonderful clean sounding guitar and ambient song effects. The album ends with “Withering,” which wastes no time in assaulting the listener, followed by “The Sparrow.” This last song opens with a beautiful keyboard passage that grows into a guitar solo ending with an insane crust/punk fury.
It would be remiss not to mention Henrik Udd, who also worked on the previous recording, Rites of Separation, and who managed to render Agrimonia’s sound all the more lethal.
In a world full of crust bands that follow whatever trends are happening without any self-expression, Agrimonia tries out something different with great results. Awake is a beautiful example of melding different influences together. Comprising the best of the sludge, crust and metal genres, the band has crafted an impressive record that keeps the listener firmly engaged until the end.
