The noise-rock band’s second album is a breakthrough: insidiously catchy, incomprehensibly groovy, and fueled by righteous fury.

Seven albums in, the L.A. band continues to channel ’90s-inspired alt-rock. The record’s pleasant sound and seamless production only exacerbate the feeling of stasis.

The Asheville guitarist takes a new approach on his latest album for Drag City, using a surprisingly gentle sound to frame his customary meditations on political resistance and liberation.

Now settled into a steady lineup, the iconic black metal band sounds reliable and reverent—but they shine when things get a little weird.