![](/uploads/articles/5/264_medium.jpg)
Surprise release from Godspeed! You Black Emperor
Indie | Tuesday 9th October 2012 | Jacob
Since reforming in 2010 this band have proved old habits die hard, especially when it comes to their unconventional approach to putting out material.
The four track album Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend! was released without fanfare at a concert in Boston this month, with a general European release scheduled for October 15th. This isn’t the first time the Canadian post-rockers have chosen to put their work out through alternative means, allowing free reign to record live gigs means the fans often release live albums online long before the band does.
It’s been a ten year gap since their last album, but early listens indicate that it’s been worth the wait. On the opening track ‘Mladic’ you can hear all the elements that have given the band their long lasting appeal: sweeping guitars, richly layered soundscapes and a long slow build to an epic crescendo.
Despite the long gap, they have avoided the trap many bands fall into after a prolonged hiatus. Over produced or lumbering it certainly is not. Fresh, dynamic and with all the musical verve that we’ve come to expect from Godspeed! You Black Emperor, it deserves your time and holds your attention from the first beat to the final ringing chord.
Want to catch them live? November 5th at The Forum, tickets and details here.
By Jacob Alexander Guberg