Creation should feel like a moment of self-actualization. Full potential and promise become fulfilled, and the next step can be taken. Astronoid reach such a moment on their self-titled second album. The Boston quartet—Brett Boland, Daniel Schwartz, Casey Aylward and Matt St. Jean—actualize the scope of their dynamic and dreamy deluge of thrashing guitars, soaring shoegaze, progressive pummeling, and ethereal vocal emissions. The music reflects the ebb-and-flow of two years marked by intense life changes. After making their introduction with the 2012 EP November and 2013 EP Stargazer, Astronoid arrived as an enthralling, engaging, and entrancing voice for heavy music on 2016’s full-length debut, Air. It graced year-end lists by Consequence of Sound, Stereogum, LA Weekly, Invisible Oranges, Loudwire, No Clean Singing, and more. In addition to acclaim from Noisey, MetalSucks proclaimed it “an instant classic.” In the end, Astronoid embrace a newfound confidence and bring listeners closer than ever. “There’s a lot more of us in this record,” he leaves off. “It’s super personal. It gave me the affirmation I needed that I can still write music and that it’s not about besting what you’ve done in the past, but rather being who you are. That’s what it gave me. I hope it aligns with something a listener may need.”