There are so many things I love about Black Metal, but many times I don’t feel like it’s a safe space for me as a Black Man. It’s a genre/subculture of metal that claims it’s not racist, but so many bands create music that makes racists feel comfortable. So for me to allow a band’s energy into my reality, I have to know that they are creating from a space that’s free of isms. Case in point, the band Agriculture and their self-titled debut album that is out now on The Flenser — it’s the kind of sonic safe space I need to have as a fan of black metal.
I love their song “The Glory of the Ocean”! Honestly, the intro with its indie rock vibration washes over my soul and makes me smile. While listening to this album, I find myself wanting to walk in the forest on a rainy day. Agriculture’s music is free from the toxic energy and role-playing that many bands in Black Metal subscribe to, and for that reason, their music really resonates with me. On tunes like “Look, Pt. 1” you can feel their sonic anguish while feeling that this band wants to take you to a higher place. Musically, I’m amazed at how sick they are on their instruments and their passion bleeds through on every second of this album.
This record hits hard as fuck and I really appreciate them sharing their musical point of view with humanity! Inside of their insanely fast-moving complex riffs, I can feel the joy they experience manifest in this album. Even in our darkest days, there is light, and no matter who you are you can find a place within Black Metal when it’s created from an authentic place.
