Agriculture – Agriculture (Review)

Agriculture are a black metal band from the US and this is their debut album.

Agriculture is a 31-minute black metal album that combines post-black metal, blackgaze, noise rock, and post-rock ingredients into a charismatic whole. Agriculture, (who contain a member of Ehnahre), are a band that play with passion and energy, and this is a release that is hideously enjoyable if you’re a fan of the style.

There’s an emotive core to Agriculture that shines through in the music strongly. The songs are powerful examples of how to play blackened extremity that doesn’t mire itself down in the darkness, yet still manages to play music that has great appeal to lovers of the dark black metal arts. Older Deafheaven might be the obvious reference point for Agriculture, but the band are no mere copycats. Agriculture take a different route with this base style, one that includes post-rock colour and noise rock riffs. It’s very good stuff, that’s for sure.

The aggression on Agriculture is blistering, yet uplifting, and the melodies resplendent and bright. It’s a mood-focused work, one that’s deeply atmospheric and imbued with rich feeling. The music’s atmospheric proclivities are frequently atypical, presenting the listener with sonic vistas that embody beauty and awe, while still also being heavy and gritty enough to satisfy that yearning for extreme metal that we all crave. There are also moments of pure harshness that are withering.

Agriculture is well-rounded and offers a fulfilling, well-crafted experience. The pacing, structuring, and flow of the record works wonderfully, taking the listener through scathing speed, introspective wandering, and evocative soundscapes. The build/release dynamics of post-metal/rock are effortlessly realised by the band in a blackgaze format that’s extremely effective. Each track is instantly appealing and engaging, yet there’s a depth of substance here that exceeds mere instant gratification. Agriculture works best over time, revealing and bolstering its many strengths as it twists and coils around you. It knows has you firmly in its grasp, and won’t let go.

Agriculture have created an impressive and enjoyable first record. If this manifestation of black metal is the sort of thing that works for you, then this is an essential listen for sure. Don’t miss out.