It seems Christmas came early for me this year! I've just received a special edition re-release of Pale Folklore, the debut album from folk-metal masters Agalloch, one of my favorite bands of all time. For those of you who feel the same way, The End Records has put together a special edition of 2 LP Picture discs of the album, limited to just 350 copies. In case you don't know much about the band or their first album, here is a brief description from the ordering page:
Surrounded by the majesty of nature and the burden of human existence, the album bursts with dark melodies and emotional concepts. Creating auras of dark, symphonic melancholia, "Pale Folklore" turns out to be a mournful and expressive listening experience!
When considering the rest of the band's catalog, Pale Folklore is an interesting album. While it foreshadows the masterpieces that would follow it, it has a much more raw sound, one which feels like its in the nascent stages of development. Agalloch would further develop their style on releases like The Mantle and especially Ashes Against the Grain, but don't let that deter you from experiencing the haunting, earthy sound of Pale Folklore. "Dead Winter Days" remains one of my favorites, and as is the case with every Agalloch release, Pale Folklore is one which rewards multiple listens with new things to discover each time. Oh, and "The Misshapen Steed" is probably one of the most epic things I've ever heard. 
The artwork and packaging are all fantastic, and the picture discs look and sounds great. And for that $29.99 price-tag, you do not want to miss out on a deal like this. What better way to embrace "The Melancholy Spirit" of winter than a double-vinyl set from Agalloch? The double-LP set can be ordered from The Omega Order's website.
