"Seven sorrows and eight afflictions"

After seven sorrows and eight afflictions maybe it's all going to happen, after all. I'm talking about Antic Clay's album "Broom of Fire", originally scheduled in 2017 as a 10 year anniversary of the release of "Hilarious Death Blues" (HDB). I'm chastened and sceptical. In the past couple of years there has been updates with hints of a release in the near future. I believe it, when I see it. In a recent update Antic Clay wrote: "Studio work continues here in the first quarter of 2025...With the current rate of progress I think a Spring 2025 release of the Broom of Fire album is likely". If we for the sake of the argument, assume a new album, what will it sound like? Antic Clay has reassured that "fans of HDB will not be disappointed". However, I don't sense any HDB-vibe in the three songs ("Center of the Night", "Brother Wolf Sister Moon" and "Elijah") that have been released. HDB was an album that blew your mind. "A slow dark ride across the scorched hide of America. Think Johnny Cash riding a skeletal mule to Hell. Not without moments of beauty and hope, however". Recreating something close to this album should be impossible. The key to happiness is low expectations. Be prepared to replace your expectations with acceptance and always leave room for disappointment.