City of Caterpillar announce their first new record in twenty years, Mystic Sisters, out on September 30th via Relapse Records

It seemed like it would never happen, but it’s really true – City of Caterpillar are about to unleash their first new record in twenty years! When vocalist/guitarist Brandon Evans, guitarist Jeff Kane, drummer Ryan Parrish and vocalist/bassist Kevin Longendyke unveiled their self-titled debut in 2002, their emotional, frenzied and often cinematic music was at the vanguard of the burgeoning screamo movement. Alongside bands such as Pg.99 (with whom they shared members), Majority Rule, Planes Mistaken For Stars and others, they helped develop a style of music that took hardcore into convulsive new territory. After years spent living in other parts of the country and playing in so many other bands – including Darkest Hour, Malady and Ghastly City Sleep, the long awaited City of Caterpillar reunion shows snowballed into writing sessions.

The result is Mystic Sisters, a record that recaptures the magic of old while taking the band’s music into exciting new territory! The winding and atmospheric title track that embodies City of Caterpillar’s experimental side features some noise violin from Evans’ former Pg. 99 bandmate Johnny Ward, while tracks like “Decider” and “Paranormaladies” showcase the band’s roots with a flurry of visceral and noisey hardcore swagger. Ultimately, City of Caterpillar are more concerned with creating a mood than telling a story. “The band is always focused on mood,” Evans confirms. “To me, that’s the most important thing. I don’t really want people dissecting what we’re trying to say, because it’s not really about us. It never has been. What we cared about 20 years ago was innocent, raw emotion, and that’s what we care about now”. Below this article you can watch the video for the aforementioned “Decider”, directed by Nath Milburn.

Mystic Sisters will be released on September 30th via Relapse Records. Physical and digital pre-orders are now available here.

Photo credit: Reid Haithcock