The US Black Metal scene is currently experiencing their second winter. The developments of the last couple of years are rooted in unique musicianship and true dedication to their art and mother nature – or in two words AGALLOCH and WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM. I’m normally very cautious if these days a record label is “gambling” with big names but this new act from Utah is worth to be connected to their big US brothers. GALLOWBRAID is taking their inspiration out of the same dark found and the presented four tracks are heading into the same direction like the AGALLOCH masterpiece “The Mantle” from 2002. The album is offering on one hand the necessary folk side with a warm and comforting camp fire atmosphere but it’s also showing the dark side of the night with harsh and aggressive Black Metal parts. The band has been founded in 2006 and since then they worked intensively on this material – it was worth every effort. In total a beautiful release and the perfect musical companion for the coming next European autumn. www.myspace.com/gallowbraid, www.northern-silence.de