As black metal "spread beyond Scandinavia to infect the global underground", it joined shoegazing as a major factor in the evolution of post-metal. Many bands employ the "speed and ferocity" of black metal in "contrast to slower, more ethereal compositions". This approach was pioneered by Agalloch, who formed in 1995 and also employed elements of doom metal, progressive rock, folk music, and post-hardcore. Wolves in the Throne Room, who became a significant act for American black metal by the release of their 2007 sophomore album "Two Hunters", were also inspired by Neurosis in combining "ambience and violence" to craft deeply melancholic music.