In a thunderous return, The Jesus Lizard has come crashing back into the fray with their first new album in over a quarter-century. Rack, set to be released on Friday, September 13, 2024, via Ipecac Recordings, is a chaotic, visceral reminder of why this Chicago band still holds an unshakable place in the pantheon of noise rock.
Raw Energy and Chaos
The album is a sonic tornado, hurling jagged riffs, guttural vocals, and pure energy at its listeners. This new record feels as raw and unhinged as their classic albums. David Yow, Duane Denison, David Wm. Sims, and Mac McNeilly have not lost their edge—instead, they’ve sharpened it. The result is a brutal, precise album that slashes through the sterile soundscapes of modern rock.
Sharp Production and Relentless Sound
Produced and engineered by Paul Allen at Audio Eagle in Nashville, Rack is a snarling beast of a record. Each track pulses with frenetic energy, alternating between moments of pure noise and tight, gritty melodies. From the opening track, “Hide & Seek,” the band delivers a jolt of electricity. In under three minutes, they set the tone for what’s to come: noisy, volatile, and unapologetically The Jesus Lizard.
Tracks like “Armistice Day” and “Swan The Dog” capture the band’s trademark chaotic energy. Denison’s guitar work cuts through the mix like a buzz saw, while Yow’s vocals roar with primal intensity. Sims on bass and McNeilly on drums anchor the chaos with a relentless groove that drives the entire album forward.
A Legacy Continued
While Rack is their first album in over 25 years, it doesn’t feel like a reunion—it feels like a continuation of their legacy. The album perfectly captures their classic, unhinged sound, yet manages to stay fresh in its execution. It’s as though The Jesus Lizard has rekindled the raw energy of their early years, combining it with the maturity and technical skill they’ve gained over time.
Fans have already begun hailing Rack as the best comeback album of all time. It’s easy to understand why. The album isn’t just a nostalgic trip—it’s a bold statement. The Jesus Lizard proves they still have plenty to say, and they’re saying it louder than ever.
A Must-Have for Fans
With limited edition maroon vinyl and exclusive merchandise available, Rack promises to be a collector’s dream. More importantly, it serves as a reminder of what rock ‘n’ roll should be: raw, dangerous, and uncompromising.
After 26 years of waiting, fans can rest assured that Rack was worth every second.
