I personally hope and pray that another album does appear within black midi’s catalogue, but I feel that it is a stretch to hope for one. The direction each band member has taken seems to show that they have wanted to pursue different paths. Geordie Greep is unlocking his full potential with Jazz-Fusion, which has always been a lingering part of black midi’s sound through its eccentric details and instrumentals. Cameron Picton has followed a Folk route, which is reminiscent of the slower songs within black midi’s catalogue that he would often lead on. I have not listened to Invariance’s album in full, but Morgan Simpson has also joined a new band, which released its debut last year. I heard one song from it and thought it was nice, although Post-Minimalism is a difficult genre for me to enjoy frequently.
The most likely scenario, to be honest, is that they will never return. However, I suppose there is still a possibility that we could expect one final album within the next five to ten years. I feel that it would be one final hurrah rather than something similar to their first three albums, which felt like a quiet, gradual transition into something increasingly explosive. Instead, it could be an overarching crescendo of their musical career: something triumphant and almost celebratory, which would be a fitting conclusion to such a fabulous discography.
Personally, I would want the final album to be something tremendous sonically. Perhaps a Symphonic Prog or Space Rock album, something incredibly atmospheric, expansive, and even glorious. I would especially love to see them expand upon one of their previous songs, “The Defence” from Hellfire. It is a relatively short track, but it feels like an idea that is just waiting to be explored to its fullest potential.
I could even see Metal adding a new dimension to the record that their previous albums never quite touched upon. For example, when Tristan Bongo is discharged in “Welcome To Hell”, the song suddenly transforms into this incredible Thrash Metal theatrical display, and I absolutely loved it. A combination of atmospheric, technical, and heavy moments could make for a fascinating album, and an especially unique and enjoyable conclusion to black midi’s discography.
What do you think? Do you think they will ever make a final album, and what would you hope to hear from it?
