Irish act Altar of Plagues was formed in 2006. Their sound has been described in many differed ways, but terms that are most frequently used include black metal, metal 'gaze', and progressive or post metal. The act themselves consider black metal to be the genre to which they are most attached, but admit that they are not a black metal band. The band has been quoted to take influence from acts ranging from Darkthrone to Bjork. Members of Altar of Plagues are also known to be actively involved in environmental conservation and this is said to be their primary lyrical inspiration. This unusual mix of music and circumstance has led to Altar of Plagues appealing to a wide variety of listeners and these may be seen by the diverse range of acts Altar of Plagues have toured with, including Isis and Mayhem, as well as having appeared at festivals that focus on extreme metal and festivals that encourage experimentation and diversity. <br><br> Following the release of only one demo and an EP (entitled "Sol"), Altar of Plagues signed to Canadian label, Profound Lore Records. In 2009 the act released "White Tomb", an album that was described by a number of critics as one of 2009's best and most exciting releases. 2009 saw the band tour throughout Europe, with 2010 proving to be an even more promising year for the act with a new E.P release on Roadburn records as well as receiving an invitation to perform at the Roadburn Festival. <br><br>