We shouldn't have been surprised to be surprised by Liturgy. The "transcendental black-metal" duo creates massive, hypnotic sheets of sound informed by classical music as well as early black metal. We assumed that would mean the loudest Undercover yet, but Hunter Hunt-Hendrix informed us upon arrival that he wanted to perform Shellac's unstoppable "Prayer To God" a cappella. As you'll see, he builds the song up from scratch with vocal loops, creating something absolutely hypnotic. (And Shellac fans who were worried that a band would come in without an appreciation for the original shouldn't have been: Hunt-Hendrix says it's one of his favorite songs.) For some insight into Hunt-Hendrix's philosophy of metal, click to read his manifesto (of sorts). Or just check out Liturgy's Aesthetica, which came out last year on Thrill Jockey, or see the band live at the following shows, many of which double as Thrill Jockey anniversary concerts. Take a deep breath and enjoy.

Saturday, Sept. 15: Webster Hall in New York (Thrill Jockey 20 with Tortoise, Future Islands, and more)

Friday, Nov. 2: Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, TX (with tons of bands)

Friday, Nov. 9: Mississippi Studios in Portland, OR (Thrill Jockey 20 with Trans Am and more)

Thursday, Dec. 13: The Independent in San Francisco, CA (Thrill Jockey 20 with Trans Am and more)

Friday, Dec. 14: Los Globos in Los Angeles, CA (Thrill Jockey 20 with Trans Am and more)