Trad-metal true believers Spirit Adrift have always worn their influences proudly on their sleeves. Their upcoming release, 20 Centuries Gone, takes that a step further, assembling six cover songs spanning "bands that are foundational to the DNA of Spirit Adrift," as frontman Nate Garrett puts it: Type O Negative, Pantera, Metallica, Thin Lizzy, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
In addition to the covers, 20 Centuries Gone also features two original cuts, "Sorcerer's Fate" and "Mass Formation Psychosis," the first of which the group has unleashed today (April 20th). It's a roiling, fist-pumping, Mastodonian anthem that resonates with elements of the aforementioned core influences. Crank it above via its official visualizer video.
"When I wrote this one, I was obsessing over the film director William Friedkin," Garrett commented. "I've been a fan of his since I saw The Exorcist as a kid, but when I discovered the documentary Leap of Faith, it sparked a much deeper interest in the man and his process. I started watching as many of his interviews as I could find, and I read his autobiography which was just amazing. Friedkin's life and art are inseparable. His human experience, search for higher truth, and borderline-psychotic level of obsession/perfectionism all coalesce into his artwork. I relate to that on a profound level. This song is about our search for purpose, and humanity's struggle to understand 'the mysteries of faith and fate.' Musically, I would say it's one of our heaviest and most straightforward songs. Inspired equally by New Orleans sludge, flipped-cap crossover, and Scandinavian metal, but with the distinct Spirit Adrift sound and approach."
