The Antlers Return with ‘Blight’: First Album in Four Years Featuring Brooding Single ‘Carnage’

The Antlers reveal their new album 'Blight' and lead single 'Carnage', exploring themes of human impact with haunting melodies and powerful lyrics.

The Antlers Make a Comeback with ‘Blight’

The New York indie duo, The Antlers, have announced their first album in four years titled ‘Blight’, set to release on October 10 via Transgressive Records. The band, currently made up of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Peter Silberman and drummer Michael Lerner, is stirring excitement with the release of their brooding lead single, ‘Carnage’.

Peter Silberman of The Antlers

After their last album, ‘Green To Gold’, dropped back in 2021, The Antlers have been busy refining their sound and message. Now, with ‘Blight’, they dive into themes of environmental decay and human carelessness, delivering a more direct lyrical approach paired with diverse sonic textures.

The Dark and Powerful ‘Carnage’

‘Carnage’ is a slow-building track that starts off mellow but gradually erupts with intense drumming from Lerner before descending into a dense, fuzzy soundscape. The lyrics poignantly describe the unnoticed violence inflicted on innocent animals during a road trip — a metaphor for the often-overlooked consequences of human convenience.

Peter Silberman reflects on the single, saying:

“Carnage is a song about a kind of violence we rarely acknowledge — violence not born of cruelty, but of convenience. Innocent creatures are swept up in the path of destruction as their world collides with ours, and we barely notice.”

Dive into the haunting vibe of ‘Carnage’ below:

Recording ‘Blight’: The Story Behind the Album

Following the folk-tinged warmth of their previous album, ‘Green To Gold’, The Antlers shift gears with ‘Blight’, focusing on the stark realities of human wastefulness and ecological destruction. The album was recorded over several years in Silberman’s home studio, situated at the edge of a vast hayfield in New York.

Silberman shares:

“So much of the record was conceived while walking these massive fields. I felt like I was wandering around an abandoned planet.”

He further explains the urgency fueling the album’s tone:

“The consequences of accelerating technology and environmental neglect feel imminent; that sense of urgency made me want to speak more candidly. The present-day specifics are so unsettling, and tomorrow’s possibilities are so surreal … there’s no need to mince words.”

This setting and mindset breathe a raw authenticity into the album, capturing the tension between natural beauty and looming decay.

Blight Tracklist

1. Consider The Source
2. Pour
3. Carnage
4. Blight
5. Something In The Air
6. Deactivate
7. Calamity
8. A Great Flood
9. They Lost All of Us

Touring and Recent Projects

Last month, The Antlers toured with Texas indie rockers Okkervil River during their joint ‘An Intimate Evening with The Antlers & Okkervil River’ tour. This tour’s first leg took place in October 2024 and was met with great enthusiasm.

Additionally, on April 30 this year, The Antlers released ‘Band Together’, a live album capturing the energy and emotion from their recent tour performances.

Silberman has also been active with his ambient supergroup side project, Cowboy Sadness, which released an album last year, showcasing his versatile musical talents.

Why ‘Blight’ Is a Must-Listen

If you’re a fan of The Antlers' emotionally charged sound that blends intimate lyrics with expansive musical landscapes, ‘Blight’ promises to be a powerful next chapter. The album confronts urgent issues with a raw honesty that's both unsettling and compelling — perfect for anyone who appreciates music that makes you think and feel deeply.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the release date of The Antlers' album ‘Blight’?
  The album will be released on October 10 via Transgressive Records.
• Who are the current members of The Antlers?
  The band consists of Peter Silberman (singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist) and Michael Lerner (drummer).
• What themes does ‘Blight’ explore?
  ‘Blight’ focuses on human wastefulness, environmental neglect, and the consequences of accelerating technology.
• How does ‘Carnage’ reflect the album’s overall mood?
  The single is a brooding, slow-building track with hard-hitting lyrics about unnoticed violence caused by human convenience toward animals.
• Is there a live album related to their recent tour?
  Yes, ‘Band Together’, a live album from their 2024 tour with Okkervil River, was released on April 30.

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