Agents Of Oblivion - Agents Of Oblivion - review
Agents Of Oblivion - Agents Of Oblivion - review
Tracklist
01. Endsmouth02. Slave Riot
03. A Song That Crawls
04. Dead Girl [Acid Bath cover]
05. Phantom Green
06. The Hangman's Daughter
07. Ladybug
08. Ash Of The Mind
09. Wither
10. Paroled In '54
11. Anthem (For This Haunted City)
12. Cosmic Dancer [T. Rex cover]
13. Big Black Backwards
A review by
Lucas June 12, 2009
Having worked with a plethora of nicknames and different support bands, the most notable of all is probably (besides Acid Bath, obviously) Agents Of Oblivion. Agents Of Oblivion was his first band after the split of Acid Bath and is consequently the most extreme, even though a huge part of the sonic violence is already lost on Agents' self-titled début. What we get in return are elusive and unusual vocal lines, rarely 'by the book' but always with a strong emotional factor. Give opener 'Endsmouth' a try and listen to the repeated lines "It's only the end". That's dark, elevating and twisted at the same time while building up to a monumental 'capture and release'.
What follows are another twelve tracks that are spread out over the spectrum of Rock, ranging from straight-forward Rock tracks to psychedelic pieces to stripped down ballads and everything in between. Dub it Doom Rock if you like; the important thing is that this is some heavy stuff without actually being heavy. My personal highlight is the cover of T. Rex track 'Cosmic Dancer', which is easily the softest and most ballad-esque track on the album but with such an astonishing power that no amount of replays do it justice. But the other tracks, in particular 'Endsmouth', 'Phantom Green' or the carnival bizarre that is 'Big Black Backwards' are great listens too. The strength of this record lies in Riggs' ability to write calm songs without unnecessary testosterone-fuelled violence, yet still achieve an apocalyptic and off-setting atmosphere through carefully picked chords and skillfully created background collage. Not every song is a real killer but that is the danger of musicians that opt for odd creations – and on this release the good definitely outweighs the bad.
You can easily image what "Agents Of Oblivion" sounds like if you've heard the first Acid Bath album "When The Kite String Pops" and of course in particular 'Scream Of The Butterfly' and 'The Bones Of Baby Dolls'. Perhaps most songs off "Agents..." are not up-too par with the two songs by Acid Bath, but that's almost an impossible feat anyway. If you liked those two songs and think you can handle a disc-full of them, you are strongly encouraged to seek out "Agents Of Oblivion" and ride the apocalypse with me.
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 9 |
| Songwriting: | 8 |
| Originality: | 8 |
| Production: | 8 |
Comments
Comments:
9
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| Kurimus
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| Bobby_Loggins
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O man... I totally forgot about this band. Great shit and I have to buy that album soon.
---- Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29 Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
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Posts: 13427
"Phantom Green" is now my favourite track of the album, closely followed by "Endsmouth", "Cosmic Dancer" and "Big Black Backwards". Some absolutely fantastic lyrics and Dax' unique and emotional way of delivering them. "the vanishing man has madness to sow there are secrets he knows that have never been told ... phantom green is the color of the sky its the color i see when i close my eyes the devil is just out of frame"
---- SLUDGE. DOOM. DEATH. Wait, what?  "The reason I'm running for president is because I can't be Bruce Springsteen." - Barack Obama
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I think that at the current, I probably like "Endsmouth" the most, because it's so meaningful to me, and very catchy. This band (well, full-length) should be more well-known, not only because it's really good, but really catchy, so it's more accessible. And the re-recording of "Dead Girl" is soooo amazing.
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Listening to this right now. The stuff is pretty trippy. Good find dude.
---- Any man can stand adversity, but to test his character give him power - A. Lincoln
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| Posts: 13427 |
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Agents Of Oblivion has become one of my favourite albums, ever. I still stand by my 'low' rating (taking into comparison it's one of my favs), because it isn't a perfect album, but it is a touching and soulful album. I don't know, it's just one of those albums that, when you're in the mood, is the best thing ever. Even if it has its flaws. Fan-tas-tic stuff.
---- SLUDGE. DOOM. DEATH. Wait, what? "The reason I'm running for president is because I can't be Bruce Springsteen." - Barack Obama
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Posts: 183  |
Posts: 183
This has probably become one of my favorite albums of all time.
---- Open your Mouth to my Bloody Reign!
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