Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Allelujah! Don’t Bend! Ascend!
Constellation
October 1st, 2012.
GY!BE's fourth studio album was released on this day in 2012. After a length-y period of time away, their previous record being released in 2002, the band set out to prove why their presence is of premier necessity. Their craft and approach to the world of post-rock is as indispensable as any. Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! rang in a new era for the Canadian collective.
A 10 year period is a long enough time to cast doubts on a bands future. Along with it the thoughts of never seeing or hearing any newly formulated material. Acts of a certain caliber maintain a level of composure and class years removed from their last point of appearance. The time away usually being used as time to reflect and perfect specific traits, side projects, and perspectives. It's one of the finest tests of character - to return after a hiatus only to appear as if nothing has changed. Settle back into the groove as if one has never left. Finding your feet without faltering. The industry and all its zeitgeists may change, but the need and search for merit and artistic value remains the same. Godspeed You! Black Emperor are members of a club that only the finest at their craft ever get a sniff at. Some sell out or sell their souls before their spot is secured. Sticking to the plan and dismissing fashions of the day pays dividends over time.
Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! finds GY!BE at their newfound best. Cinematic soundscapes enthrall the listener in usual GY!BE fashion. The mind conjures up partnering images to go along with the experience of sinking into the world. Apocalyptic scenes - at least in my case, although you'll find this with the majority of post-rock releases - are brought to the forefront. Glimpses of hope, despair and everything inbetween render it an all encompassing experience. One which undoubtedly let the world - more succinctly the world of post-rock - know who comfortably sits in the throne.
With his arms outstretched....
