Neurosis have re-emerged with their first new album in 10 years, after their parting with longtime vocalist/guitarist Scott Kelly. Some speculated (such as myself) that the band would end altogether, but instead they have shadow-dropped a new album, 'An Undying Love For A Burning World' on March 20th. Aaron Turner (ISIS, Sumac, etc.) has filled the absence of Scott Kelly on both vocals and guitar, and the pairing not only makes sense but has expectedly delivered well (understandably as Aaron Turner has cited Neurosis as a huge influence on his music); also considering three other members contribute vocals the overall sound is much of the staple people would expect. The album is currently in digital-only release, with physical releases slated later (May 8th for CD/Cassette and June 5th for Vinyl).
The band in its new iteration will perform live for the first time at the Fire in the Mountains festival in Montana (a non-profit on Blackfeet Nation lands dedicated to reducing youth suicide) in July. Notably the festival is co-headlined with a reunion performance by 16 Horsepower (former band of David Eugene Edwards before Wovenhand), among an overall packed lineup. Neurosis is known for being a great live band, and while I haven't seen them personally I can attest that ISIS put on one of the best live shows I've ever seen/heard, so I imagine they will be right as rain with the inclusion of Aaron Turner.
As for the album itself, I won't yap too much aside to say I enjoyed it, with probably the biggest takeaway being I didn't fully realize how much Steve Von Till's vocals mirrored or resembled Scott Kelly's, and overall while his presence is missed, of all the people I can think of to fill that void they found the most agreeable and obvious in Aaron Turner, both vocally and on guitar and more fundamentally his song-writing ability. The near 17 minute closing track "Last Light" might highlight his most direct influence and possible direction of any releases in the future.
