We appreciate all those who are enjoying it so far and apologize to those who aren't. Much love to you all nonetheless!

To those who don't know - this is basically a eulogy for the singer's friend who died of an overdose. His friends mother passed away, and his friend couldn't handle it so he turned to drugs and died a year after his mother. That said, this entire album is sort of a chronicling of his last days. It's fucking sad, and knowing that story - when you listen to it every song and space between takes a new meaning.

This is why I love this band so much.

Michael Lessard always looks like he needs a hug from someone.

It is scary how good this band is getting.

I love when metal bands have a loud and audible bass guitar!!! thank you!!!!

These songs, so far, have been the most approachable songs the contortionist have ever released. Lots of people in these comments are identifying the songs as boring and non-experimental, but its absolutely not true. The songs are approachable. You can understand some of the things going on very quickly. Especially so when comparing it to previous releases. But there is tremendous depth in the harmony and rhythm still, even if the beats end up being in 4/4. This song transitions between a wide range of vibes, all well maintaining fantastic flow. Music like this can serve to satisfy a wider range of listeners, but on top of that it can serve as good music for more states of mind. It satisfies the person who listens for complexity, as well as the person who listens for simplicity. And I bet that the boys in the contortionist are on both sides of that fence, which is why this music is what is appealing to them as of now. To the people claiming its not proggy because its not in odd times, you are the one applying rules to music, and that isnt very proggy lol.

This song is just so hauntingly beautiful. This album as a whole is helping me cope with the loss of my sister and my uncle who both passed away last year. A drunk driver took the life of my oldest sister and my uncle died from cancer 3 months later. I felt myself losing my sanity.. the most hardest time of my life. It’s difficult still, but I know they are at rest. They just “returned to the earth”. Thank you guys for making this album. Thank you.

This is no longer just music, man. This is something else.

"You were so sick.... You were Skin and Bone.....So you fed yourself excuses...." I completely understand the disappointment that some fans are feeling. I admit that this was not what I expected either (and I adore Language) But despite my initial disappointment at these tracks, they are also deceptively infectious. I didn't realize that after the first listen, these songs would permeate me so deeply. The raw emotions these songs tap.... it is truly incredible. The above lyric is something I both anticipate and then recoil from with every listen. It hits so close to home, even despite how vague it is. It's the kind of truth you need, but don't want to face. I've witnessed so many friends and family suffer in so many ways, and this lyric taps into that helplessness I felt as they continually chose to perpetuate that suffering. Thank You The Contortionist. I know you are moving far away from your roots, and it's a dangerous change, but I appreciate it.

The rock scene needs more of this. It's called "creativity", and this band has it. FOREVER ON REPEAT.

I'm going through a pretty rough and depressing time in my life right now.... these new songs have been hitting home to me. Michaels emotions, the lyrics. Couldn't be more thankful for these musicians. Absolutely incredible. Update Oct 2018: this comment was posted over a year ago, this song and album saved me and took me through the darkest time of my life. I had the album on repeat for months(literally) as I dragged and stumbled through life not knowing what to do... I am so so so so extremely grateful for these wonderful musicians and the music they create. Life changing. I hope to meet you all one day to tell you in person. Thank you thank you thank you @TheContortionist

Everytime I come back to this track it still hits hard. Lost alot of people to addiction and overdoses. I myself struggle with alcoholism, shits even harder when you're still trying to recover only to relapse over and over again...many blessings to all.

To be completely honest. I absolutely love the direction this album took. And at first I wasn’t sure how hard it would stick. But here I am 3 years... 4 years? Later and I still can’t get this album out of my head. My personal opinion, these guys are the new age “Pink Floyd” and anything they put out I can’t be disappointed. The contortionist is definitely in my top favorites

Those drums are so beautifully clean - I owe whoever recorded/produced this a pint! Discovered this band tonight and I'm blown away. What skill.

I'm just getting into The Contortionist and I'm surprised to see some backlash to this music - this is _brilliant,_ guys.

the videography is out of this world

Fucking awesome song! This album is a bag full of surprises and I can't wait for it to release. Seriously, one of the best experimental prog metal bands out there in the scene now. Much love

their music has helped me through my darkest days

This song takes a whole other dimension when you yourself have a dying parent you can't imagine living without, almost brought a tear to my eye. Thank you The Contortionist.

From the future. Next level.

3 years later and I still get chills, and tears well up in my eyes when I listen to this song. I never thought another metal band could make me as deeply emotional as TesseracT does, and years later there are so many of them. I'm so grateful to have found The Contortionist when I did, they have helped me process so much.

"And you were so sick. You were skin and bones. So you fed yourself excuses." Someone close to me nearly died from anorexia, so this line really jumped out.

I feel sorry for all those people that aren't able to enjoy this. Keep on doing what you do best, The Contortionist: Elapse, evolve, expand, adapt.

This album is going to be a goddamn spiritual experience. 👍

Return to the earth Rain on black clouds Return to the earth Return to the pyre, Wasn't technically perfect Couldn't have been any better Was a fall with it I don't feel any better, And you were so sick You were skin and bones So you fed yourself excuses Just to keep it going Nodding on and on Raining on and on, So keep on slipping 'til the end of the earth Like a ghost sinking into the ground Keep on slipping 'til the end of the earth Now that all these black clouds Keep on raining down, Wasn't technically perfect Couldn't have been any better Falling faster and faster Do you still feel clever? Couldn't stop the momentum Couldn't stop you from crashing Wish that I had seen it coming, And you were so sick You were skin and bones So you fed yourself excuses Just to keep it going Nodding on and on Raining on and on, So keep on slipping 'til the end of the earth Do you remember what was said? You could lose the sleep All of those nauseous things All of you were wrong It didn't take long As we were back to earth Return to the earth And if you come down Return to the earth, So keep on slipping 'til the end of the earth Like a ghost sinking into the ground Keep on slipping 'til the end of the earth Now that all these black clouds Keep on raining

What this song is doing for me is reminding me of those moments of pure awe and appreciation for life... and by life I mean the nature of the picture frame we live in

I've listened to this band for 7 years. That being said, I hadn't left the house unless it was to go work for about 3 years. A group of people who I never gave the chance to get close with asked me to go Download Festival in the UK. I couldn't say no, as I had the money for it and although I questioned myself for months whether or not I should go after buying the ticket, I thought I wasn't going to pull through, I never do with people. They got me drunk, told me they loved me, and I just felt so happy for the first time in years. After days of drinking and drugs, I lost my friends in the arena and saw System of a Down playing on the mainstage. I carried on walking and saw The Contortionist playing in arena full of 100,000+ people and only about 20-30 was watching these guys in a small closed off tent. I loved it even more though, it's unfortunate they had to play during the mainheadliner but standing there, with years of memories rushing through my head, I'm standing there feeling so happy, with two beers in my hand, feeling like they are playing just for me. these guys made my life feel more than perfect for that moment and I'll never forget that.

This hits me so hard. My mother is right at the end of losing her battle with cancer. She is so sick, and has become skin and bones. It's the hardest thing i have ever known. I know the context of this song is different, but it helps me more than you guys will ever know. I feel your pain in these songs Michael.

This is another level of “floating through the distant universe” kind of music. 🤘🏻

Between this and early grave, the songs helped me navigate my fathers suicide. I greatly appreciate the artistic expression and am still hopeful we will get more songs in the future.

i cannot feel a difference energetically between the heaviest songs & the softest ones. just different languages saying the same things of beauty & pain. still crying either way. always crying. can't listen to any of your albums without so many tears. you all make the most magical music it's insane. thank you so so so much.

Those synths are phenomenal

I'm addicted to this song. It's their best work till now in my opinion.

The tone in this song is delicious

Listening to The Contortionist is not like other bands. The Contortionist grabs u by the arm & says, "you're going on a journey to experience peace & bliss on a level rarely encountered...whether u want to go or not." Even Expolanet & Intrinsic did this when Jonathan was the vocalist, and I absolutely loved & still love those albums, as well as Jonathan's vocals. But bringing in Mike Lessard brought this band to a height of amazement I never thought possible. They could not have chosen a more absolutely perfect fit for this band. This is the art of music & talent that displays, as far as I've yet to experience, the very pinnacle of joy & emotion that music can possibly deliver. Especially when u can strip it down to each individual instrument on its own, & still be moved by it. Especially the vocals of Michael Lessard.

1:46 the hi hat at the upbeat is so genius

i feel the same way i felt when i first discovered tool. This is excellent stuff

Is it just me or is The Contortionist truly ahead of our time? Incredible..

I cannot get enough of this band. They've changed my entire outlook on music

This band's progression is magnificent.

First thing I see when I woke up. What a perfect way to start the day!

This song is almost an anthem, an echoing backing track, to some of the most formative years and experiences of my life when I look back on exactly what has led me to where I am today. It’s hard to not picture different parts of my life, of what has led me to where I am, in a cinematographic light when listening to this song. It really is a song that you don’t just remember but one that you carry with you like a memory. Thank you, guys! I love this song!

Can't wait for this to reach 1 million. It deserves all of them (including the thousand I gave it).

I almost feel like this song is about (in a way) putting Exoplanet and everything about it fully to rest. Exoplanet as a concept album was all about departing from Earth in search of a new home, and "Return To Earth" feels like a way of metaphorically (or perhaps directly) saying that the journey is complete and they're on to something completely new and different.

This song is absolutely euphoric

This is everything I've ever wanted from music. These chord progressions, truly talented vocals and not just the simplest drum patterns.

my body is getting chills, and im only up to 1 minute. STOP THIS!

...this band has matured into a sound like no other. Musically, vocally, lyrically... underlying screams or not, im over the fact they may not have that overly intense metal sound like the first two albums. The previous album and three tracks I've heard off the upcoming album are just. Perfect. Really liking the current sound and angle they are taking moving forward. Well done.

Amazing vocalist!

Best random click ever. Absolutely a moving song. I love how as the song progresses, the emotions become more raw.

Incredible. So modern, so good. Hits the right spot, can't get enough of this amazing music that these dudes put out.

Definitely love how his R&B singing works. Perfect.

New album, please. ❤

I’m still listening to this because it’s just so good

Una absoluta maravilla musical

This should have been the first single from Clairvoyant. I really dig this.

Your arrangement and phrasings on every instrument and vocals are incredible. I wish more musicians had the musicality as your group does.

i don't understand how y'all made such a simple chord progression sound so dynamic. it sounds as complex as the more technical songs and it blows my mind. so much emotion too. constantly on repeat.

This was the first time i've ever heard The Contortionist and I can't believe it. Im tempted to instantly look up their bio for some background but don't want to subtract from the organic experience, which i feel is exactly what this song is. It can be interpreted in so many ways, but inevitably its a question of capacity to endure despite the trials of life, often lying to ourselves about what we need. Its a prideful act to go it alone, but often we do and suffer, possibly unto death because of it. This song is the human experience and I deeply appreciate this band now because of it.

Ive never thought of myself as someone having a favorite band, simply because I listen to so much different stuff. But there is not a single band whose releases I anticipate more than yours. In terms of the feels I get, youve even surpassed Tesseract. Thank you. Hope to see you on your European Tour again

It might seem like this song is about life choices and hardships and etc, but actually this song is dedicated to Mike's favorite trusty *gray hoodie* , which he wears all the time and spends his best moments with, be it shuffling through forests of fall or float in lakewater during dusk.

Under-rated Band of the decade

On repeat. Never been this addicted.

Thank you for existing in this form!

This song is beautiful, dark and complex! Also love the reference to the 'Reimagined' music video. The clean vocals fits just perfect on this album

I'm never not amazed by this band. Beyond metal/rock, they always create art.

This is incredible. It's like Tool and Djent had a modern baby. The Contortionist' sound is everything I could want in a band. I love the vocals.

Return to the earth Rain on black clouds Return to the earth Return to the path [Verse 1] Wasn't technically perfect Could it have been any better? Was the fall worth it? I don't feel any better [Pre-Chorus] And you were so sick You were skin and bones So you fed yourself excuses Just to keep it going Nodding on and on (Nodding on and on) Raining on and on (Raining on and on) [Chorus] So keep on slipping 'til the end of the earth Like a ghost sinking into the ground Keep on slipping 'til the end of the earth Now that all these black clouds Keep on raining down [Verse 2] Wasn't technically perfect Could it have been any better? Falling faster and faster Do you still feel clever? Couldn't stop the momentum Couldn't stop you from crashing Wish that I had seen it coming [Pre-Chorus] And you were so sick You were skin and bones So you fed yourself excuses Just to keep it going Nodding on and on (Nodding on and on) Raining on and on (Raining on and on) [Bridge] So keep on slipping 'til the end of the earth Do you remember what was said? You could lose the sleep All of those nauseous things Oh, are you alone? It didn't take long I'd bring you back to Earth [Bridge] Return to the earth And if you come down Return to the earth [Chorus] So keep on slipping 'til the end of the earth Like a ghost sinking into the ground Keep on slipping 'til the end of the earth Now that all these black clouds Keep on raining

just the feelings dude...simply amazing

there are bands that make money off playing the same riffs over and over again , then.. there is The Contortionist making art without compromise. may you guys be blessed with all that is good and success in all that you do. on behalf of all your fans, THANK YOU!!!

This is one of the greatness songs I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. Thank you.

"BUt It'S N0t Ex0pl4n3TT!!!!"

Such a perfect combination between video and music.

Who in the world could not like this.. Its pure ear candy....

I think I alone account for at least 500 views so far. I can't tell you how much this song has saved me. It came to me in the most desperate times of need and has healed my soul, made me whole again if you will. Can't wait for these guys to come to Portland, Oregon

Featuring Jon Snow on drums and Aegon Targaryen on guitar

Absolutely incredibly fucking amazing, PAPA BLESS

Wow! The way this band has progressed in sound is so impressive because they always pull it off with a new sound each record they release. Definitely my favorite band in the genre

This album has been the best so far, its like language and clairvoyant are separate chapters in a book with this being the next big chapter for them.

Still mad slept on tbh

You no longer "listen" to The Contortionist. You EXPERIENCE them! I just experienced some shit.

I don't have words. Just commenting to boost visibility.

You guys have the most amazing evolution as a band. There seems to be no end to your musical integrity. Every song, no every note comes off as a genuine piece of yourselves.

I show everyone I know your music and they all LOVE IT! This concert was a birthday gift and while I'm so grateful, I'm sad you guys didn't play longer. Meet me on the smoking patio?

I get mad Tool/APC/Periphery/Deftones vibes. All good things

One of the best bands in the world right now. Top 5 in my view. Top quality, every album is great, evolving incredibly

the first minute of this song always gets me. i can't think of anything else that captures loss better than the first 4 lines of this song.

Might not be the album that a lot of the prog community wanted but it's definitely what we needed. Personally, I'm loving the direction these guys are taking.

Best song so far i've heard from the upcoming album. The Hype is officially real now.

The more you listen.... the more you discover the beauty and some magical parts of the track.... A great and visionary band (y).

These guys are creating their own genre and style...They need more recognition !

This band just puts me to ease. This is so good.

I love it when you can almost trip on music, this band does that to me.

I love how his voice is used like another instrument. Can't wait for this album.

The line "Wasn't technically perfect" KILLS ME, everytime! beautiful

My first tattoo was based off of this song, I'm forever in awe of this band.

I can't wait to see you guys in October with BTBAM!

This is not music... This is a lifetime adventure

This is an absolute gem of a song in every way. Listening to it for the past 3 years . Just came here to watch the video again and it was an awesome feeling watching it at night 10: 30 pm all alone in my room on my bed !! 🔥 Greetings from Kerala, India 🙏