Neurosis Surprise-Releases New Album ‘An Undying Love for a Burning World’ | Pitchfork

After a decade of silence, and a period of significant internal change, Neurosis has surprise-released An Undying Love for a Burning World, their first full-length album since 2016’s Fires Within Fires. The release arrives alongside the announcement of Aaron Turner (Isis, Sumac) as the band’s newest member, filling the void left by co-founder Scott Kelly’s departure in 2019.

The album’s arrival was accompanied by a statement from the band, acknowledging the tumultuous decade and the impetus behind creating new music. “We need this, perhaps more than ever, and we suspect we are not alone,” they wrote, citing the anxieties of modern life and the looming climate crisis as driving forces. The band described the album as a method of “trying to survive this,” referencing the emotional weight they’ve always explored in their music.

Navigating Change and Reclaiming a Legacy

The path to An Undying Love for a Burning World wasn’t straightforward. In 2019, Neurosis faced a pivotal moment when Scott Kelly, a vocalist and guitarist since the band’s inception, announced his retirement from music following admissions of domestic abuse. Pitchfork reported on the announcement, which left the future of the band uncertain. The remaining members – Steve Von Till, Jason Roeder, Dave Edwardson, and Noah Landis – initially paused activity to process the situation.

As Von Till explained in an interview with Apple Music, the band needed time to “reclaim not only our life’s work, but also our way of dealing with living in a world of meaningless distraction and insanity.” This period of reflection ultimately led to the decision to continue, but with a new dynamic. Finding a suitable replacement for Kelly proved crucial, and the band turned to Aaron Turner, a musician deeply familiar with their work.

A Familiar Voice, A Natural Fit

Turner’s connection to Neurosis stretches back decades. Roeder noted that the band had known Turner since the 1990s, recognizing his profound understanding of their musical trajectory. Turner’s previous work with Isis, a highly influential post-metal band, was itself heavily inspired by Neurosis. Von Till emphasized the seamlessness of Turner’s integration, stating that the first rehearsal “felt so natural that the only weird thing about it was that it didn’t feel weird at all.”

Turner’s arrival isn’t merely a replacement; it represents a continuation of a shared musical lineage. Isis, formed in 1997, carved out a significant space in the post-metal landscape, often drawing comparisons to Neurosis for their atmospheric soundscapes and emotionally charged compositions. Apple Music’s album description highlights this connection, positioning Turner as someone who “was as familiar as you could possibly be with where we have been and where we may be headed.”

The Sound of Resilience

An Undying Love for a Burning World is described as one of Neurosis’ most powerful and evocative albums to date. The tracklist includes: “We Are Torn Wide Open,” “Mirror Deep,” “First Red Rays,” “Blind,” “Seething And Scattered,” “Untethered,” “In The Waiting Hours,” and “Last Light.” The album’s title itself speaks to a sense of defiance and perseverance in the face of overwhelming challenges. The band’s statement reinforces this theme, framing the music as a cathartic response to personal struggles and global anxieties.

Neurosis has consistently pushed the boundaries of heavy music, blending elements of metal, hardcore punk, and experimental sound design. Their influence can be heard in countless bands across various subgenres, solidifying their status as pioneers of the post-metal movement. The band’s willingness to evolve and adapt, even in the face of significant adversity, is a testament to their enduring creative spirit.

Live Return and Future Plans

Aaron Turner will create his live debut with Neurosis at the Fire in the Mountains festival in Montana this July. This performance marks a significant moment for both the band and their fans, signaling a new chapter in Neurosis’ storied history. The festival, known for its focus on experimental and heavy music, provides a fitting backdrop for the band’s return to the stage.

The band’s statement concluded with a sense of urgency: “This was now or never.” This suggests a deliberate decision to release the album and move forward, rather than allowing the project to remain unfinished. While no further tour dates have been announced at this time, the Fire in the Mountains performance indicates a commitment to continuing as a live act.

Fans can purchase An Undying Love for a Burning World digitally through Bandcamp here, with options for streaming and high-quality downloads in various formats, including 24-bit/48kHz. The album is also available on Apple Music and other streaming platforms.