Check out my interview with
@johnhaughm from
@agalloch_official at link in bio or on
@thisdayinmetal !
-
When Agalloch surprisingly disbanded in 2016, there was a collective sign of disappointment from those in the know in the metal community at losing one of its most creative, authentic, and genuinely unique bands. Agalloch rose to prominence through a progressive metal alchemy that combined black metal, neo-folk, and atmospheric elements which set them apart from their peers in the late 1990s and early 2000s, specifically with their debut album Pale Folklore and its landmark follow-up, The Mantle. Subsequent album and EP releases, and gradually more frequent live performances, continued to elevate their status in the metal world up through 2014’s The Serpent & the Sphere, all while retaining the quality and artistic integrity that created one of the most loyal cult-following fan bases in the world of heavy music.
John Haughm, who founded Agalloch in 1996, had been a driving creative force in the group, whether through his work on guitar, clean and harsh vocals, songwriting and lyrical compositions, or designing the artwork of every release. Once Agalloch disbanded, Haughm dedicated himself to a solo project he had started after a particularly inspiring trip to the desert. As the years wore on, Haughm became more prolific with his solo venture, releasing what he’s dubbed the Nomad Trilogy, which culminated with the release of The Devil’s Coil last year. Somewhere along the line, his friendships with founding Agalloch members Don Anderson and Jason William Walton were mended as well, leading to a reformation of Agalloch for select live shows in 2023, much to their devoted fanbase’s delight.
Over the last two years since reuniting, Agalloch have performed in Brazil, Australia, made appearances at festivals across the United States and Europe, and played select shows along the West Coast with John Haughm performing his solo material as an opening act. Many of these destinations had been points of contention during the band’s 2016 demise, but are now being fulfilled enthusiastically with the clarity of a decade for their founding members.
Enjoy!
