“A galloping acoustic guitar-and-drums introduction? A strutting mid-tempo build? Vocals both growled and hissed? A quick and focused race through black metal? A heroic coda of pirouetting melodies and broad feelings? Indeed, Agalloch condenses most of the traits endemic to its best work into “Celestial Effigy”, the seven-minute centerpiece of its forthcoming fifth album, The Serpent & The Sphere. ”
