### Agrimonia: Rites of seperation

#### 05/09/13 || gk

Agrimonia’s last album “Host of the winged” was an impressive if slightly jumbled album that tried to mix myriad influences into one crushing whole and succeeded to a large extent. 3 years later, this Swedish band is back with Martin Larsson from At the Gates coming in on bass as replacement for Martyrdöd’s Per Nilsson. Star bass player apart, Agrimonia’s latest album sees the band refining their sound and style and laying greater emphasis to song writing.

Right from album opener Talion this is a fresher, leaner and more addictive version of the band. The opening riff is catchy and memorable but where the song really stands out is in how effortlessly the band manages to mix melodic death metal, crust, doom and post metal into one 11 minute behemoth. Hunted starts with a melancholic keyboard melody and takes its time building into a brooding, majestic beast and achieves lift off around the 3 minute mark. Catchy riffs, bile spewing vocals and a superb sense of melody sets this song apart as the band shift from cleaner, more sombre moods to all out aggression. “Hunted” is the highlight in a high quality album but the other songs aren’t far behind. The battle fought has a dark, blackened sludge feel to it and works really well while album closer “Awaiting’s” subtle use of electronics highlights the band’s confidence and song writing ability. It’s a strong finish to the album and as the song winds its way down I’m left feeling exhausted and exhilarated.

Vocalist Christina sounds pissed off and powerful with her crusty, sandpaper approach working well with the music which is always melodic, groovy or both. She brings a nasty, dirty and dangerous approach to these songs and does a great job. Main man Pontus plays for Miasmal and Martyrdöd and along with fellow Miasmal guitarist Magnus, does a truly outstanding job here. The songwriting skills are top notch and sense of melody really makes this album memorable.

At heart, Agrimonia sound like a bunch of dirty crusties who somehow stumbled onto metal along the way and now use it to deliver a powerful message. The songs are long and complex and with 5 songs stretching to just about an hour, this is an album that needs time and repeat listens to really appreciate. It feels like Agrimonia has come of age on their third outing and “Rites of separation” is a quality album that deserves a listen.

- Information
- Released: 2013
- Label: Southern Lord
- Website: Agrimonia Bandcamp
- Band
- Christina: vocals
- Magnus: guitars
- Pontus: guitars, bass, backing vocals
- Martin: bass
- Björn: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Talion
- 02. Hunted
- 03. White Life Lies
- 04. The Battle Fought
- 05. Awaiting