Caskets “The Only Heaven You’ll Know”Album Review
Since their inception, Caskets have known who they are and where they stand in the heavy music scene. Their debut album, “Lost Souls”, was an immediate breakout hit, landing them in tours across the globe with metal giants such as Hands Like Houses, We Came As Romans and Of Mice & Men. With the announcement of their new album, “The Only Heaven You’ll Know”, the band have discussed the new era they are ushering in, one built on reflection and reinvention.
Frontman Matt Flood says, “This record is the sound of me falling apart in real time. Every song is a confession. About love that rots you from the inside, about pretending you’re okay when you’re drowning, about trying to find peace in a world that makes you feel nothing. The Only Heaven You’ll Know isn’t about salvation - It’s about surviving the wreckage when it never comes. Grieving the parts of myself I had to bury just to cope, Doing anything I could to block out the noise. This record isn’t a cry for help, it’s me trying to make sense of the chaos around me, and find a way through to the other side. These songs are my scars, proof I made it through, even when I thought I was doomed.”
An important sentiment to take in before hitting play, as the first track, “Lost In The Violence,” peeks through the veil, and those words could not resonate more. The familiar volatile force within the melody cuts through the crushing waves of emotional grit, not too dissimilar to their previous work, yet this time it’s much more polished and poignant. “Our Remedy” follows in its footsteps bittersweetly, yet still beautifully. Flood’s vocals effortlessly soar over the crashing cymbals, only a brief respite that is then thrust into a pitfall of tumultuous screams.
“The Only Heaven You’ll Know,” begins with a distinct synth scaling that dances over a groovy bass line. I adored the way the vocals bounce alongside that drumbeats, before imploding into a cataclysmic chorus. “I can barely breathe when you’re near me / Struggling to speak what I’m feeling,” wail over the top of screeching guitars, the utter exhaustion washing over me in waves as goosebumps prick on my arms.
“Closure” and “Sacrifice” were released as singles prior to the album's drop, and displayed the band's contrasts with tight, punchy verses that erupt into big, melodic choruses. Notably on these tracks, there’s a clearer focus on space with bridges that explore subtle textures through synth pads and reverbed guitar lines, rather than nonstop aggression. This leaves room for an atmosphere that resonates much deeper to the listener, painting vivid imagery through its delicate construction.
“Make Me a Martyr” is a guttural anthem, the lyrics “Drop me from the sun / And watch me burn / Choke me, suffocate me / It’s my turn,” digress with bitter disdain, lingering over gritty guitars. This track paired with “Save Us” are the highest point on the album for me, the amalgamation of the drums punchy snares and a mix that prioritises clarity has served them well to show off the high level of their tenacity.
“Broken Path” is the final track we are graced with, and something I highly commend about this album is its ability to completely encapsulate you. There’s always something fluttering in between, or a neat lapse in instrumentals that make the seconds tick by so quickly. After a glorious final chorus, this song fades away with wistful, electronic chiming that hovers gently over static air. From the first, brash beats of the album to now, I felt my own self reinventing alongside Caskets.
This album delicately weaves together a tragic tale of navigating loss and rock bottom, and beginning to drag yourself out of the pit of your own self despair. It thrives on its mixed influences, intertwining beautiful synth pop elements with a ravaging flair of angry metal. Caskets have traded some grit for gut wrenching honesty, and I think it pays off very well on their behalf. I’m so keen to see how these tracks translate on the stage, and I’m sure any fan of theirs is gonna have this record spinning on repeat for a while.
