"Like dystopian science-fiction writers imagining humanity's demise, Lathe of Heaven are fueled by catastrophe. Composed of veterans of the New York City punk and metal underground who wanted to stretch out into other sounds and ideas, the band-like Merchandise before it and Temple of Angels more recently-made its home in the dark romanticism of early gothic rock and the porous borders of post-punk, finding additional inspiration in cyberpunk, speculative fiction, and the philosophy of technology."
"Opener "Exodus" embodies a newfound balance of fury and brightness. Buzzing, chiming guitars and Stephen Morris-esque drums set off the driving, unrelenting energy; electronics buzz in the background before exploding in the chorus, threatening to engulf singer Greg Egan. "We've taken back all this world denies us/But still I wonder if I'm truly me," Egan intones. The creeping loss of one's humanity haunts the album: Society is ruled by algorithms in "Matrix of Control"; computers flatten existence into nothing on "Automation Bias.""
Lathe of Heaven formed from New York punk and metal veterans who embraced gothic rock and post-punk influences alongside cyberpunk and philosophy of technology. Their 2023 debut Bound by Naked Skies showed Finnish post-punk influence but hinted at melodic growth. Aurora refines melodies while keeping intense anger and darker romanticism. Songs pair buzzing, chiming guitars and Stephen Morris-esque drums with electronics that surge in choruses. Lyrical concerns center on loss of humanity, algorithmic control, automation’s flattening of existence, and wartime indifference, notably confronting Israel's war on Gaza and public apathy. The record balances fury with brighter musical textures.
Read at Pitchfork
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