Album review: Caskets – Reflections

On their debut album Lost Souls, Caskets encapsulated what it is to be a modern day metalcore band, with no end of crunching riffs, soaring melodies and choruses made to be screamed out with your mates. It laid the blueprint for the quintet, with vocalist Matt Flood using the experience to share his personal struggles. Now, two years later, the Northern lads are back with second album, Reflections, a record that showcases a band accepting who they are, turning up the levels and really bursting into life.

Opener Believe shows the ambitious nature of this record, aiming to enter the big leagues with a powerful, sonically-charged beginning setting the tone for the rest of this 10-track monster. More Than Misery quickly fires in behind with an almost pop-inspired chime, before a colossal breakdown which see The Word Alive’s Telle Smith jumping on to scream his heart out. It's a real stand out moment.

Elsewhere, Caskets' diversity and creativity shine through in Too Late and By The Sound, exhibiting the band's talent for seamlessly blending heavy riffs with ethereal and atmospheric undertones. This all comes before the heavy pummeling of Hate Me and the far-reaching heights of Better Way Out, dropping the curtain on this wonderfully crafted collection with an almost orchestra-sized crescendo.

Their ability to combine heartfelt lyrics, immersive soundscapes, and an introspective exploration of personal struggles sets Caskets apart. With Reflections, they prove they have both the musical prowess and emotional depth to leave a lasting impact on their listeners. Each track will resonate and connect with listeners on profound level.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: Bring Me The Horizon, Architects, The Word Alive

Reflections is out now via SharpTone