The masters of concept albums are returning with yet another one. The Mountain Goats have released the first single, “Armies of the Lord,” off their upcoming album Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan. This new project releases on November 7.

Following Jenny From Thebes, released in 2023, Through This Fire is looking like yet another one of John Darnielle’s cleverly crafted narratives. “Armies of the Lord” opens with a slightly different sound than the band’s familiar acoustic composition. Instead, it relies heavily on keyboard and drum machine, with sweeping moments of strings, harp, and chimes.

With Darnielle’s vocals embellished with a hint of reverb, he weaves images of a loyal crew, a burial at sunrise, reluctant redemption, and a great waiting. “Who would prepare for peace, t

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