Describing the last two years as tumultuous for Brutus is a nice euphemism. After signing with Hassle Records, they released their first album, Burst, in 2017, which earned them nominations and accolades for Album of the Year. After touring with Chelsea Wolfe and Russian Circles, Brutus also opened for Thrice across Europe. After all these dates, the triobelge went to Vancouver to record their second album with Jesse Gander (Japandroids, White Lung, Baptists) at his studio Rain City Recordings in September 2018. The 11 tracks that resulted form their new album, Nest. Fully embracing her role as singer and drummer, Stefanie Mannaerts reveals the extent of her talents. The urgency of her emotionally charged voice is reflected in tribal percussion, just as her tender whispers find an echo in soft rolling beats. Her accomplices Stijn Vanhoegaerden (guitar) and Peter Mulders (bass) complete the magic circle with omnipresent riffs, dynamic bass lines, and a good balance between unsettling restraint and relentless aggression. Brutus weaves a link between post-rock, hardcore, metal, and pop, bringing together the characteristic facets of each style into their unique sound. The band's story has been meticulously described on Nest. All their moments of euphoria and glory are present, but the album also contains moments of reflection. They address the choices they made in pursuit of their goals, the impact those choices had on themselves, and what they lost along the way. The album illustrates the frictions between the band's forward march and their desire to stay connected with their loved ones. Forged by shared experiences, both good and bad, Nest is the sound of a band that knows how to fully harness the strength of the bond that unites them.