Don’t call it a comeback! The idea that Neurosis was finished was never a thought that was cemented in my mind. The bleak thought that it was never felt right and left the idea of a return after some time to be simmering in the heads of so many. The influence and inspiration that Neurosis has on so many bands you love is uncanny. So when the band surprise released their new album, An Undying Love For A Burning World, not only did it leave so many in awe that they had returned but, the announcement of Aaron Turner from Isis now in the band really was grabbing. When you listen to this album, it’s as though the band never left. Neurosis are masters for a reason and across the hour and few minutes the album plays, there is no sign of letting up nor drag.

There is an instant classic feel to An Undying Love For A Burning World. The way the album starts and transitions into each song makes this a listening experience that truly only Neurosis can make. The sludgy/doom riffs that parallel the atmospheric/etherial soundscapes mixed with the electronic/post-industrial tinges and uncompromising rhythms catapult these songs into the stratosphere. Then you add in the vocals and how they bring you to attention in a pleasant yet forceful way. Seriously, this band needs to be studied in music classes. The band’s already illustrious career knows no boundaries and the push into new territory on each record bleeds into this new one in a way that makes this truly feel like there was no stoppage.

A track by track run through of this album would be a disservice to anyone reading and listening. For an album like this one, it’s best to just sit with it and take it all in. There is so much to unpack within each song that makes listening to this record more and more fun each time. Since it’s release I purposely waited to write this so that I could take the time to really listen and hear all that is going on. The production of the recording and performances is stellar. Scott Evans of Kowloon Walled City was at the helm of recording An Undying Love For A Burning World and he dialed every tone in perfectly. Throughout the sixty four minutes, Steve Von Till, Dave Edwardson, Jason Roeder, Noah Landis and now Aaron Turner have made a modern masterpiece. This album comes at a time when we truly need Neurosis. The dark and pseudo apocalyptic nature of this band not only fits in the world we live in now but, could very well be the soundtrack to the demise. This band and album are not for the weak. The deeply poetic nature of the lyrics and music are substantial and direct in their message.

Neurosis have left a mission statement with An Undying Love For A Burning World. In this statement, it’s very pronounced that this is no letting up for this band. The soundtrack they create for us breathes life into a dark and dreary time to live in. The honesty in this album and passion radiates through each note and beat. One of the things I personally love about this album is that it doesn’t feel “nostalgic.” It’s fresh and full of fire that so many bands are missing. What a way to return! Seriously, this album is one of the best the band has made. If you’ve never listened to Neurosis, this album is actually a great starting off point. When you finish it, talk to me and I’ll steer you where to go next. In the meantime, enjoy all that An Undying Love For A Burning World has to offer.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Neurosis- An Undying Love For A Burning World: