Asked what it is he wants audiences to take away from Fission, the second album from Dead Poet Society, lead singer Jack Underkofler offers eight small but powerful words: “We want to leave them with the truth.”

After a decade defining, redefining and perfecting their art, where Dead Poet Society find themselves on the eve of their sophomore release is much clearer. Dead Poet Society are a uniquely captivating group, rock’s next great breakout act, with Fission set to capture the hearts and challenge the minds of fans old and new on the journey ahead.

Following on the heels of their acclaimed debut full-length –!– (2021), Fission seeks to unpack the personal journey its creators have been on during that ride to date. Fission, as its title hints, is a 13-track study of personal change and the turbulence of growth that, as Underkofler attests, takes “a microscopic and broad look at the events that changed who we are.”

To that end, there are deep rakings over the coals of relationship breakdowns, examinations of addiction in all its guises, ruminations on the responsibilities and challenges of adulthood, and struggles with the evolution, loss and continual search for self. “In a lot of ways this album is about unpacking those emotional pains that come with being an adult,” says Underkofler.

Twinned lead singles ‘Running In Circles’ and ‘Hurt’ weave through fears of following the wrong path while hiding behind false fronts. ‘How Could I Love You’ and ‘I Hope You Hate Me’ tackle the sometimes bittersweet, more often simply bitter fallout from a tumultuous relationship.

The result is a compelling record of depth and substance, which weaves through the spectrum of anthemic alternative, dark hard rock and progressive indie. Fission is at once comfortingly familiar and disconcertingly alien; raw and analogue. Unexpected turns and deviations reveal themselves often; repeat listens reveal greater secrets yet.

For fans of Highly Suspect, Palaye Royale, Cleopatrick, Tool, Biffy Clyro.