MUSIC

to “life stuff ”: marriages, children, his own musical wanderlust (he’s put out solo work and records with Brain Tentacles and Corrections House, among others), and of course pandemic-related logistical issues. Whatever the reason, it’s good to have Yakuza back.

Sutra is a commanding return to form. The shivery shuffle of “2is1” makes for a welcoming opening track; it starts with drone and guitar swirl that announce the band’s resurrection with a diabolical grin. The thrilling ripper “Burn Before Reading” breaks apart its own mosh machine with a dreamy interlude—a signature Yakuza rug pull. The band’s sense of pacing and structure will reward you with surprise and delight if you trust them and lean in, and they’ll never let you cruise on autopilot for long. “Walking God” incorporates a sultry, seductive rhythm in its heavy mythic vibe, and if it’s heavy riffi ng you want, “Into Forever” and “Psychic Malaise” have that covered. “Embers” sets a somber gothic tone before ripping into sinister, singsong guitar play. “Echoes From the Sky” is an evocative, picaresque quest through a rapidly changing progressive-metal soundscape bordered by space rock, psychedelia, and cosmic jazz, with reed-andguitar interplay that shows a strong Arabic influence. It’s a reminder of where Yakuza have always excelled, and how they’ve carved out a space for themselves that’s truly distinctive. (It’s probably also the kind of sound that explains the boneheaded refusal of the usually reliable Encyclopaedia Metallum to include them.) I know how quickly time can slip away, but Yakuza’s bottled lightning has a timeless charge.

—MONICA KENDRICK v