Metal Anarchy

Atheist frontman Kelly Shaefer has launched a new project called Till The Dirt. The band’s debut album, “Outside The Spiral,” will be released on August 25 via Nuclear Blast Records.

“Outside The Spiral” Track Listing:

01. “Starring Role”
02. “Outside The Spiral”
03. “Privilege”
04. “As It Seems”
05. “Invitation”
06. “Forest Of Because”
07. “Who Awaits”
08. “Insist And Demand”
09. “The Good The Bad The Other”
10. “Watch You Grow Old”
11. “Bring On The Gods”

Shaefer commented:

“My writing went into overdrive during lockdown, and I was writing and recording a new song almost daily as well as playing on the demos. I was inviting friends for solos and guest spots, one being Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, Nevermore) and also John Longstreth (Origin). [Producer] Scott Burns really helped me pull it all in, because we had so many songs to work with and had to narrow to 11. It’s one of the most prolific moments in my career and I’m proud to say there is zero filler on this record. I couldn’t be more proud of it.”

Scott Burns continued:

“Kelly and I were talking and he said, ‘Let me send you some of my new band’s material.’ The first track he sent me was ‘Outside The Spiral’. I was blown away. I loved everything about it. It was simply a great song to me. It was brutal, it was catchy, and it was memorable where I could sing it back in my head after a couple of listens. I also loved it because it didn’t sound like anything I heard on SiriusXM’s Liquid Metal. To me it was original just like in the old days when I used to record bands. It was why the bands I recorded got signed, because they were original. And then to top it off, he sent me dozens of others songs and they were equally as good. I think TTD rocks and wish nothing but the best for the band. It is but a sliver…..”

A lyric video for the album’s title track, which features Testament bassist Steve DiGiorgio, can be found below. Shaefer had the following to say about that song:

“‘Outside the Spiral’ was the very first of over 25 songs I wrote for what would become the debut for Till The Dirt. However, I didn’t start with the intention of a new band or album, I was writing and recording Atheist ideas during the early lockdown of COVID. So when I finished the demo, I sent to people I trust to give me honest opinions, one being bassist extraordinaire Steve DiGiorgio, and the other legendary producer Scott Burns. Both agreed that it was something of a hybrid… sort of a different path. Inevitably it was inspiring to hear the positive feedback. Scott Burns then agreed to produce this record, and Steve agreed to play bass on this track.”

DiGiorgio added:

“Kelly and I go back with our own bands as far as 1987, ‘Raging Death’ comp. I’ve always appreciated the level and precision that Atheist played, and admired the multifaceted vocals of Mr. Shaefer. When he hit me up to throw down a bass track on his new project it was a no-brainer. Hell yes! Not only was it an easy decision based on old friend, Scott Burns, being involved…but Kelly gave ME the choice of which track appealed to me. I chose ‘Outside The Spiral’ for the eerily spacial riffs and the trippiness of the vocals. Both qualities befitting my whacked out fretless contributions on bass. Killer track on a killer new album…enjoy!”