Alternative rock group Caskets gears up to release their third album, The Only Heaven You’ll Know, a captivating record that pays homage to the band’s earlier post-hardcore days, as well as incorporating a new modern metalcore sound into their art. Not only does this album show musical growth compared to their other albums, but it also represents a journey of emotional and personal growth as musicians and people.
Caskets is a band from Leeds, England, that was formed in 2018. The group’s current lineup consists of singer Matt Flood, guitarists Ben Wilson and Craig Robinson, and drummer James Lazenby. The group got their start by putting out their debut single, Ghost Like You, on YouTube in 2018, before self-releasing their first EP in 2019. Their career would continue to grow, as did their fanbase. Caskets began to share the stage with other iconic bands in the scene at numerous festivals and tours before debuting their first album, Lost Souls, in 2021, with sophomore album Reflections following a couple years later in 2023. Finally, Caskets return to release their newest record, The Only Heaven You’ll Know.
“Lost In The Violence” immediately caught me off guard with the haunting intro, almost having an industrial sound to it. This song continues with a fresh combination of heavier instrumentals blending seamlessly with Flood’s passionate vocals right off the bat. Leading the audience into the album with expectations high. Only two songs in, and Caskets is already showing the genre diversity in this album with “Our Remedy” as the second track. Vocal layering in this song is electronic perfection, with powerful unclean vocals doing a full 180 from the slower, tuneful start of this track.
The title track for the album, “The Only Heaven You’ll Know,” is a song meant to move people. All of the raw emotion and passion are easily heard through each and every aspect of this song. This track has one of my favorite guitar parts on the album as well. Emphasis on the pinch harmonics and sweeps in the guitar after such a melodic chorus brings the song to an end beautifully. “Closure” contrasts the lyrics in the opening verse with an upbeat intro, as the words seem to be an almost bitter reflection on the past.
Each of these tracks shows clear passion and drive for this new album. As vocalist Matt Flood states, “I’ve totally smashed my heart on my sleeve for this album. As a musician, you want to be real—as a vocalist and a lyricist, you want people to feel what you’re saying and what you’re singing. That’s what people really relate to and bond with.” Confirming the rush of emotion evident in any track a listener indulges in.
The album continues with “Sacrifice,” gradually building a suspenseful song open for anticipation from the audience. In like manner, the mellowed but strong drumbeats allude to a pop influence being conquered with this new sound. “What Have I Become” features one of my personal favorite lyrics from the album, “Take my scars up to the stars.” These words are originally sung and repeated quietly before the vocals break through, loudly announcing this sentiment to the audience as each line gets more desperate and angrier before the ending.
“Make Me A Martyr” continues to invoke momentum out of this album. Despite being a fast-paced track, the mix of heavy lyrics with speed throughout the song makes for a psychological outlet for the artist and audience alike. With outstanding production shining through, “Save Us” puts emphasis on the influence that producers Zach Jones and KJ Strock had on this record. Their ability to adapt to each artist and seamlessly incorporate inspiration from previous works is just what sets up this album to soar above and beyond.
As the album fans never want to end comes to a close, “Escape” prepares this album run to end on a high note. As shown previously, musical versatility from Caskets is nothing shocking, but each listen continues to prove their improvement and capabilities. With “In Vein,” having a dark and chilling sensation, as the song almost sounds as if it’s getting antsy. Palm-muted chugs layer the lead guitar in a mysterious feel before opening up the chorus for a sound of tension shattering in the song as it builds again before the chorus. Finally, “Broken Path” introduces a gentle, R&B-influenced beginning. In like manner, this song doesn’t lazily end the record, yet it ensures that The Only Heaven You’ll Know ends on an even higher note than it started.
In summary, Caskets hasn’t had an easy road on their journey to success. Yet, this has never stopped them from pouring their energy and creativity into every piece of work. Not only have they shown no signs of slacking, but this band only continues to grow and make every release better than the previous. This group’s pure love for music and the people who support them has found them in a better place, and it’s nothing short of what the modern metal scene needs.
