There are few bands in the UK metal scene that excite me as much as Countless Skies. They are one of the most original, uplifting, and fantastic outfits around. They released the phenomenal Glow in November 2020, an album that pulled me and many others through those dark days of lockdown. As they head out on their coming tour with Møl, this five track EP is a timely reminder of what to expect.
Resonance draws not only from Glow but also 2016’s A New Dawn, recorded live from the studio with cellist Arianna Mahsayeh who also featured on Glow. The songs are revitalised, reworked, with selections originally recorded for those two albums.
Now, I’m not overly excited about having multiple versions of the same songs, and I admit that I’d much prefer to have new music from the Hertfordshire quartet to immerse myself in, but as a close second, Resonance is a fine silver lining.
The band provides the reasons behind the release. “Each track has unique parts written specifically for the cello, adding extra melodies and layers that help the songs to reach new heights. After playing several shows and festival slots across the country, and in preparation for our set at MetalDays 2022, we decided to capture the sound we’d created with Arianna by recording a live set at Gusto Studios in Luton, Bedfordshire.”
It’s a reminder, if one was needed, that this is a band with magic at their fingers. Their core base is melodic death metal, but at times they switch to progressive rock, melodic almost AOR segments, before diving deep into a combination of ferocious black and death metal. At times, it’s almost overpowering.
If you like what we do, consider joining us on Patreon for as little as ÂŁ1 per month!
The EP takes “Daybreak” from A New Dawn as its starting point, before diving back into Glow with “Summit” and then the glorious 20-minute epic that is “Glow”. With the cello prominent in several parts, the song is spellbinding. Played in one piece, as opposed to the three parts on Glow, it’s captivating. It’s almost impossible to describe the emotions that the song can summon. Be it the dark, wistfulness of guitar and cello, Ross King’s soaring vocals or the overall maelstrom that the band serve up, or the cinematic soundscapes that hit around two thirds of the way through, it’s something you’ll either despise or fall headlong into love. The vocals switch between searingly, almost operatic, and gruff, bear-like growls. It works magnificently. I was breathless, even exhausted, the first time I heard this in sections. Together, with the additional tweaks, it makes even more sense.
Whilst “Glow” is the undoubted centrepiece of the EP, it would be incorrect to ignore the fine versions of “Wanderer” and “Tempest”, the opening song on Glow, which concludes this release in fine style. At times ethereal, at other times pulverising and crushing, and with Mahsayeh’s playing bringing an additional dimension, Resonance is a release that reminds, excites, and once more provides hope. I for one, can’t wait to see these guys live again.
Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!
Resonance is out on May 5th
Check out all the bands we review in 2023 on our Spotify and YouTube playlists!
Countless Skies: official | facebook | twitter  | spotify | bandcamp | youtube