After about 12 listens: surely one of my top 5 KG albums. It’s balls to the wall prog metal / thrash / Tool (but killing that shit) / Meshuggah worship / KG psych.
I love the narrative structure. Reading along with the lyrics had me appreciate how the story evolved from track to track and it’s indeed apocalyptic as f.
My favorite tracks are Motor Spirit, Witchcraft, Dragon and Flamethrower. Gila Monster made a lot more impact in context.
I think they’ve hit a new high in intensity and precision. And now I can’t wait to hear more where that psybient outro of Flamethrower came from. KG goes Shpongle? Damn.
And don’t forget this is same band that already put out amazing records in any genre, and have mindblowing live shows to boot. Every show is different, songs get mashed up together.
I’m 36 and since discovering Metallica when I was 8, Dream Theater when I was 14, Porcupine Tree when I was 17, Gojira when I was 24, this band is the first time since I’ve felt that impressed and awestruck. Seeing them live twice has been a blessing and I can’t wait to see them again. And I’m seeing Riverside and Porcupine Tree together at a festival in a few weeks. Man, life is good sometimes.