Genre: Southern Metal
Rating: 8

Track List
1. “Novus Deus” 1:28
2. “The Luddite” 4:39
3. “Cast the First Stone” 3:43
4. “No Cross” 1:18
5. “Wolf Named Crow” 5:12
6. “Little Man” 4:31
7. “Matre’s Diem” 1:26
8. “Forgive Me” 4:06
9. “Nothing Left to Say” 6:22
10. “Sacred Isolation” 1:22
11. “Old Disaster” 4:44
12. “E.L.M.” 4:02
13. “No Cross No Crown” 3:55
14. “A Quest to Believe (A Call to the Void)” 6:20
15. “Son and Daughter” 4:53

It’s a shame when a band that has been around for as long as COC and has seen so many changes in musical style over the years have to be constantly compared to epic releases from the height of their career but that’s what happens when you release something so good it gets placed on a tall pedestal in rooted deep in mythic nostalgia. Most reviews I’ve read of this album compare it unfavourably to COC’s mid 90’s releases. As Theodore Roosevelt once said “comparison is the thief of joy”, and this album, in a vacuum, fucking rocks. It’s a fun release and shows some real originality at times. Forget everything you think this band should do and sound like, and enjoy. This is a rock and roll record for hot and sunny barbecues, don’t overthink it.

Favourite tracks: The heavy rocker, “The Luddite” & the broody slow burn “No Cross No Crown”.

Support COC at live shows and wherever you buy music. Check it out.