Agalloch / PALE FOLKLORE - As a person that grew up checking out records based on their cover artwork alone, this album was particularly notable - the wood grain cover with a gold emblazoned logo engraving was instantly enthralling. This is music that glorifies the night sky, envisions campfire magic, heralds nature over humans, arcane arts & poetry, and worships the beauty of a crackling fireplace. It could be the soundtrack for a lone wanderer striving through a wintry storm, only to end up knocking on a faded wooden door to find shelter in a desolate cabin. In many ways the sound of forlorn times. If you are looking to fill your heart with woodsmoke and the fire of the mountain's spirit, look no further.