What's Happening?
Los Angeles-based band Agriculture has released their second album, 'The Spiritual Sound,' which challenges traditional black metal conventions by incorporating diverse influences such as death metal, noise, math rock, and folk. The album, described as 'ecstatic black metal,' aims to create a unique and expansive musical experience. Agriculture's approach blends intense guitar work with varied vocal styles, resulting in a complex and unpredictable sound. The album's themes draw from queer history, AIDS-era literature, and Zen Buddhism, emphasizing community and catharsis.
Why It's Important?
Agriculture's innovative approach to black metal highlights the genre's potential for evolution and experimentation. By integrating diverse musical styles, the band expands the boundaries of black metal, potentially attracting new audiences and inspiring other artists to explore unconventional paths. The album's thematic focus on community and historical narratives adds depth to the music, offering listeners a rich and meaningful experience. This release could influence the future direction of black metal and encourage greater diversity within the genre.
