Listen: Cobalt’s First New Song in Seven Years

A fan of Cobalt’s 2009 triumph Gin has experienced a few cycles of anticipation, despair, and acceptance. That is, each of us spent a few years in the normal state of excitement once its follow-up seemed just about due. Then, when it didn’t arrive — as Cobalt’s vocalist departed and its mastermind Erik Wunder worked his other project — we despaired that it may be delayed significantly. Then that vocalist returned and up our hopes went for a return to normal Cobalt business. I remember thinking, Yay, we’re on track now. That was 2014.

Just months later, another departure threatened Cobalt and again a fan was forced to mourn for what had never existed. Yet, at its funeral, the corpse of Gin‘s successor sat up in its coffin and vaulted to its feet: Cobalt had been joined by Charlie Fell (ex-Lord Mantis), like Michael Jordan joining the Showtime Lakers. Finally, Slow Forever — that’s the name of this beyond-anticipated album — had entered the “home stretch.” Would this album actually happen? Wunder assured me it would.

And finally, our emotional rollercoaster has jerked to a halt and is rolling into port: A couple weeks ago, a new trailer was unveiled (below), and today the first public song from Slow Forever arrives at fancy NPR. It’s called “Beast Whip” and it rips. Its arrival means the album’s release is all but set in stone for March 25, and for our suffering, we get more (ie. it’s a double album!) and better Cobalt (ie. Fell > everyone) than we signed on for years ago. Crank it the fuck up!!! All’s well that ends well!

Cobalt’s Slow Forever is out March 25 via Profound Lore. Pre-order here.

Disc One:
Hunt The Buffalo
Animal Law
Ruiner
Beast Whip
King Rust
Breath
Cold Breaker

Disc Two:
Elephant Graveyard
Final Will
Iconoclast
Slow Forever