After a decade-long hiatus, Godspeed You! Black Emperor returns with "Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!", a powerful and evocative exploration of post-rock and drone genres. Released on October 15, 2012, via Constellation, this album marks the band's first full-length release since 2002's "Yanqui U.X.O.".
The album comprises four expansive tracks: "Mladic," "Their Helicopters Sing," "We Drift Like Worried Fire," and "Strung Like Lights At Thee Printemps Erable." Each piece is a testament to the band's signature style, blending intricate instrumentation with atmospheric soundscapes. The album's duration of 53 minutes allows for a deep dive into the rich textures and layered compositions that Godspeed You! Black Emperor is known for.
"Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!" is not just a return to form but a bold statement from a band that has always pushed the boundaries of their genre. The album's title is inspired by a 1976 documentary on Japanese biker gang, The Black Emperors, reflecting the band's penchant for incorporating external influences into their music. Fans and newcomers alike will find this album to be a challenging and intense listening experience, filled with the band's characteristic intensity and evocative sound.
Vinylscout