Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!

"Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!" is the fourth studio album by the Canadian post-rock band Godspeed You! Black Emperor. It was released on October 15, 2012, following a hiatus of about a decade since their previous album, "Yanqui U.X.O." The album marks the band's return to recording and features their characteristic expansive and cinematic soundscapes.

The album consists of four tracks, with two longer pieces, "Mladic" and "We Drift Like Worried Fire," both approximately 20 minutes long, and two shorter drone tracks, "Their Helicopters' Sing" and "Strung Like Lights at Thee Printemps Erable," each about 6 minutes long. This structure balances the band's typical lengthy compositions with atmospheric interludes.

The recording of the album was noted for its rich orchestration, including extensive use of guitars, strings, and percussion, to create a dynamic and immersive listening experience. The themes of the album often reflect the band's socially and politically charged outlook, but they maintain their trademark enigmatic and abstract approach to storytelling.

"Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend!" was critically acclaimed upon its release. It won the 2013 Polaris Music Prize, highlighting its significant impact and the band's continued relevance in the post-rock genre. The album's return also revitalized interest in the band's earlier work and reinforced their status as influential figures in the music scene.