Last year marked 30 years of Neurosis. From their beginnings as a hardcore punk outfit, the Oakland, California natives have spent more than three decades at the forefront of heavy music—their sound influencing big underground names like High On Fire, Yob and Mastodon. Now this genre-defying collective is once again breaking new ground with the release of their 11th studio album, Fires Within Fires.

Befitting this epic milestone, Fires Within Fires brings together elements from “each stage of Neurosis’ multifaceted career” while also forging new territory.

A staggering display of simmering tones and quiet, building power, Fires Within Fires is a testament to the human condition—the suffering and sacrifice each of us is willing to go through, embodied by crushing melodies, soaring chords and the exploration of extremes. Although significantly shorter than their previous releases, this works to their advantage as they tread the distance between faster riffs and minimal, hypnotic odysseys. The result is utterly entrancing.

Neurosis live is the stuff of legend. Always ahead of the game, they realise their musical vision by creating a level of intimacy with audiences that leaves you craving more. Uncompromising, raw and devastatingly heavy—even in moments of pure silence—each note reveals the intense connection between their art and each other.

Sydney’s DISPOSSESSED will be supporting on all Australian dates.

Catch Neurosis on the following dates:

Wellington – San Fran – February 14
Auckland – Kings Arms – February 15
Brisbane – The Triffid – February 16
Sydney – Manning Bar – February 17
Melbourne – The Croxton – February 18

Tickets from lifeisnoise.com, the venues and undertheradar.co.nz for NZ shows.