maybe. i've just listened to "christmas" for the first time in ages and i've come to this conclusion.

perhaps it's because they never reach the promise suggested by their component members.
perhaps it's the annoying 'loud song, quiet song, loud song, quiet song' dynamic throughout the album.
maybe it's down to the feeling of potential in each song that is virtually always unfulfilled. the loud songs are too short, with very little progression (with members of isis and cave-in, i expect progression), the quieter songs are merely drones that don't go anywhere and often have me reaching for the skip button.

this is not to say old man gloom are bad, they're not, "gift" is one of my favourite metal songs.
i think it's the fact that they promise a lot more in several ways, but don't deliver, that leaves me disappointed.

discuss.