In case you’re not in the know, tao essentially means a way or a path, a metaphysical concept usually connected to East Asian religions. Just the mere utterance of the word surely brings to mind peaceful images of Buddha in peaceful meditation. That doesn’t mean, however, that all connotations of the word have to bring to mind feel-good images. You can also be on a menacing path of prog-rock destruction like the boys of …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead are tearing down with their upcoming seventh LP, Tao of The Dead. Namaste, f*ckers.
For this LP, the band, comprised primarily of Conrad Keely and Jason Reece and who have been making albums since 1994, decided to return to their roots by working with producer Chris “Frenchie” Smith, who also produced 1998’s self-titled effort. With a list of influences for the album ranging from Steppenwolf to Pink Floyd and from Rush (a prog-rock band liking Rush?! Say what?!) to Neu!, it’s clear they’re going for the biggest, most stylistically complicated sound they can make. Case in point, the 15-minute “Tao of The Dead Part 2”, produced by Chris Coady (Beach House, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Blonde Redhead). Indie prog-rock FTW!
The album’s first single, “Summer Of All Dead Souls”, is set to be released November 29th. Tao of The Dead hits stores February 8th, 2011 on Richter Scale Records/Superballmusic, so stay tuned for the tracklist along with tour dates featuring Rival Schools.