Ep557: The Secret Return of Neurosis with Steve Von Till

Neurosis's Steve Von Till reveals how the band secretly rebuilt itself, creating a career-defining album and making future plans for the Neurosis victory-lap that few thought possible.

Topics Include:

• The Secret recording of An Undying Love for a Burning World
• Neurosis walked away seven years ago under uncertain circumstances
• Four remaining members reunited quietly at end of 2024
• Aaron Turner brought in to help complete the musical puzzle
• Reunion tied to Firekeeper Alliance, a suicide-prevention nonprofit
• Heavy music framed as protective factor for indigenous mental health
• Steve reflects on tribal rhythms and humanity's forgotten earth connection
• Band knew instantly the new material had to be Neurosis
• Reunion forced confrontation with ego, identity, and aging as musicians
• Firekeeper Alliance's Fire in the Mountains offer pushed them forward
• Album written and recorded in secret across three studio sessions
• Secrecy maintained even among close friends touring together in Australia
• Fan reaction described as unexpectedly emotional, healing, and hope-filled
• Steve discusses reduced stigma around vulnerability in heavy music today
• Vinyl pressing strategy explained: budget-driven first run, quick sellout
• Running Neurot Recordings on a teacher's salary, tight cash flow
• Multiple color variants pressed across regional distributors and mail orders
• Debate over black vs. clear vinyl sound quality explored
• Steve's approach to buying vinyl: music over pressing obsession
• Talk turns to Melvins, Hazel Meyer, and DIY label camaraderie
• Where the line sits between fan service and variant exploitation
• Vinyl side-length considerations shaped decision to make a double LP
• Aaron Turner's artwork process detailed, sketched live in the studio
• Album title changed at the last minute, forcing new artwork
• Neurosis' visual style rooted in myth, symbolism, and Jungian archetypes
• Older catalog rights partly held by Relapse and other labels
• Steve wants a "forever version" repress of the band's earliest albums
• Original master tapes and artwork found corrupted or lost to time
• Talk closes on solo tour plans and hopes for Australia

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