Anyone looking for this, it's still available at Agalloch's label: http://www.dammerungarts.com/the-serpent--the-sphere.html

wondering, is this version the same as the tour version?

Still a bunch of EU copies left at http://www.eisenton.de/shop/Incl reg. shipping to US comes out to $50 so not terrible!!

I've really enjoyed most of Agalloch's material, from each one their full-lengths to "The White" & "Faustian Echoes". So you could pretty much say everything, aside from the pointless "The Grey". From what I can remember upon the release of "Marrow of the Spirit" most of the "hardcore" fans were a bit upset in the direction the band took towards their sound and production. Instead of the clean, crisp sounds from "The Mantle" & "Ashes Against the Grain", Marrow... took a rawer, crunchier approach. Though it was still Agalloch at heart (imo), many were thrown off by the band's dramatic change in their atmospheric approach. I still really enjoy Marrow... but I can admit I was a bit surprised when I heard the album for the first time. But that's old news, sadly, and 4 years later Agalloch returns with "The Serpent & the Sphere". I think the band took notice to those "hardcore" fans disgruntled reactions to when they first heard Marrow... as I believe they would pay homage to them and others by attempting to return to their cleaner sound with this new album... Well....I'm not entirely sure why it took Agalloch another 4 years to spit out an album of this caliber. I know it's been almost a year since it's release and the only reason why I'm writing this now is due to the fact that I was completely disappointed on hearing this for the first time (sounds familiar); so I decided to spin it again almost one year later. I'm not big into reviews or track-by-track reviews, so at this point I'm pretty much putting my two cents in. I'm not a HUGE Agalloch fan but I was looking forward to this album in the months before it's release. As with previous Agalloch records almost every song is a long journey of multiple emotions, that after listening to the entire album, you've completely forgot your place. Many people I've talked to said they just couldn't get into Agalloch because their songs were "too long" or "boring". Even though I agree at some point, it takes a patient mind but it pays off greatly in the end. I could say this for every album up until now. Each one had an identity true to its' own, but for "The Serpent & the Sphere" something is still missing for me. The more I listen to this it's harder and harder to enjoy for the reason that those older releases had so much more to offer. Maybe the band has lost a little of their fire after releasing so many great albums, as many bands do, or perhaps they wanted to take a safer approach opposite of Marrow... by releasing a record most Agalloch fans would have an easier time listening to. I'm beginning to think it's a mixture of both, sadly, as I'm not sure the band will pop another out in 4 years as they've done ever so consistently. From "The Mantle" to now, it's been a bit of a slow, churning downhill ride. Now I'm not getting into detail about particular songs, structures, sounds, etc. but I will say that this isn't a complete letdown of an album. If "The Mantle" & Ashes... had a baby, "The Astral Dialogue" would be a track right out of that womb. There are decent moments in "Celestial Effigy" and the 3:00 - 5:00 mark on "Vales Beyond Dimension" was really enjoyable. That's how I really sum this album up: a few great moments but an overall average release. Maybe it's an album that will need to grow on me, as I'm sure Marrow... did for many, but for now I will have to replay those old great Agalloch records, for in my opinion this album isn't in the same ballpark.3/5.

I've got to say, your post here is right on. Agalloch are one of my favorite bands and when I first heard "Marrow" I didnt know what to think, but now "Marrow" is my favorite album along with "Ashes Against the Grain". I was so exited for "the Serpent and the Sphere" and when I first heard it, I couldn't believe it. I was so turned off. While the album is okay, its nothing compared to the albums they've put out before. At first I thought it would grow on me, like "Marrow" did, but it's been 2 years now and it's still my least favorite Agalloch album. I still love the band and always will and it's hard to seem break up like they did. But at least I got see them 8 times through the time they were together and they put out a lot great stuff. Anyways just wanted to let you know I totally agree with your review. Sorry this reply got so out of control.

Please add pic for vinyl color. I wanna see it. Thanks

Anyone looking to buy this release: do yourself a favor and visit the bands store page and buy it for $45 dollars (shipping included) instead of paying the absurd markups on these listings. Do it quick though.http://agalloch.org/shop.htm

A very nice new album from Agalloch. I don't have a favourite because I like all their recordings equally well. This new recording doesn't disappoint me!

Buy here: http://agalloch.org/shop.htmsupport the band

I've followed Agalloch for a long time and have always been impressed their eclectic style. This just might be my favorite Agalloch Album! Which says a lot because most Agalloch albums are fantastic in their own unique way. But this album seems to bring together all their previous sounds into one. BTW: The three songs Astral Dialogue, Dark Matter Gods, and Celestial Effigy are incredible to listen to all in a row. Wow!