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Massive Attack Returns With Ominous Track
16 Apr
Summary
- New track 'Boots on the Ground' features unsettling sounds and Tom Waits.
- It's been six years since Massive Attack released new music.
- The song is a dark portrayal of a warmonger figure.

Massive Attack, known for their infrequent music releases, has surfaced with "Boots on the Ground," their first new offering in six years. The track, lasting seven minutes, is a stark departure from their earlier, influential trip-hop sound. It features unsettling audio elements, including the laboured breathing of guest vocalist Tom Waits and moments of silence.
"Boots on the Ground" is described as ominous, with a soundscape incorporating gloomy piano and military snares. Tom Waits's contribution is central, lending his unique vocal style to a narrative from the perspective of an aggressive, authoritative figure. The lyrics are noted for their surreal and disturbing nature, contributing to the song's dark and disquieting atmosphere.
This release continues Massive Attack's trajectory towards more abstract and disquieting music, a shift observed since the late 1990s. The accompanying video highlights documentary photography of protests and social issues, aligning with the band's known political activism.