Like millions of Americans, I’ve felt sadness and heartache (and plenty of other emotions) since the lethal coup attempt at the Capitol on January 6. Not only has the Trump administration let the COVID-19 pandemic rampage through the country (at the time of this writing it was killing more than 4,000 Americans per day), but it’s also turned a blind eye to the surge of white supremacist activity that it’s enabled for years. An explosion has felt inevitable since November, and it’s hard to believe that our leaders simply underestimated the threat of violence posed by a pro-Trump mob inflamed by constant lies about a stolen election—in fact it’s becoming clearer that some of them allowed, encouraged, or even facilitated the attack.
Celestial Tyrant‘s second and third tracks are arguably even more entrancing. “Talus” oozes triumphant strength from its steadfast drums and soaring guitars, both of which befit the giant, mythological bronze automaton that lends the song its name; “Red Giant,” at nearly 20 hypnotic minutes, feels like an Odyssean voyage of its own.
