NEUROSIS Rises from the Ashes with New Album: A Testament to Resilience
In a raw and revelatory interview with The Vinyl Guide podcast, NEUROSIS frontman Steve Von Till unleashed the details of the band's long-awaited return with their first album in a decade, "An Undying Love For A Burning World." Released this past March via Neurot Recordings, the record sees the surviving core of the band—Von Till, drummer Jason Roeder, bassist Dave Edwardson, and keyboardist Noah Landis—joined by the enigmatic Aaron Turner (SUMAC, ISIS), whose musical legacy is intricately woven with the fabric of NEUROSIS.
Reflecting on the tumultuous split from co-founder Scott Kelly in 2019, Von Till opened up about the band's decision to keep the underlying issues of abuse and emotional turmoil under wraps, out of respect for Kelly's family. "We walked away from it in pretty uncertain circumstances...we definitely had to walk away and get some perspective," he confessed. The reunion came in late 2024 when the remaining members finally convened, reigniting the creative spark that had flickered for far too long. "As soon as we were in a room together...it just started happening instantly," he recalled, a testament to the band's indomitable spirit.
As the songwriting commenced, Von Till reached out to Turner, feeling instinctively that he was the missing piece to their puzzle, someone who could help them reinvent themselves without the baggage of their past. "Once he was in, the songs started coming quite quickly," he said, revealing the palpable energy that surged through the band once they embraced their newfound collaboration. Yet, the road to renewal was fraught with uncertainty. Von Till described grappling with feelings of potential irrelevance, haunted by the fear that their legacy might be irreparably damaged.
Amidst this turmoil, Von Till found solace in his involvement with the Firekeeper Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health services for the Blackfeet community in Montana. He articulated how heavy music has always confronted darkness, providing a therapeutic outlet for both creators and listeners alike. "It sees pain and suffering for what it is...it provides meaning, connection, and a way to navigate through dark moments," he stated, emphasizing the profound impact of music in healing.
Finally, as the band delved deeper into the creative process with Turner, they knew they were truly back in NEUROSIS territory. Von Till articulated the bittersweet experience of rediscovering their identity after years of upheaval. "I felt in my body I was missing the roar of the amplifiers behind me," he shared, highlighting the urgency and necessity of their return. With a new album that channels their history and pain, NEUROSIS stands ready to reclaim their throne in the metal realm.