Heavy Metal began as a subgenre of Rock ‘n Roll in the late 1960s. Blending Psychedelic, Acid, and Blues Rock and turning the volume up several notches, the music was louder and more powerful than anything that had come before. Initially, many artists from the late 1960s and early 1970s who are considered pioneers of Heavy Metal merely played Hard Rock and the style we think of today as Metal came towards the end of the 1970s. And since then, it has spawned many of its own subgenres including Black Metal, Speed Metal, Thrash Metal, and many others. Metal has also branched out and joined forces with other genres, creating sub-subgenres such as Metalcore, Progressive Metal, Funk Metal, and so many others.

One of music’s most exciting Metal bands in modern music is Leeds’ very own Caskets. Founded in 2018 – originally under the name Captives – by bassist Chris McIntosh and guitarist Benji Wilson, the duo brought in some of Leeds’ best local musicians including vocalist Matt Flood, guitarist Craig Robinson, and drummer James Lazenby. Influenced by Pop Metal, Emo, Industrial, and Pop Punk, Caskets released their debut EP, GHOSTS LIKE YOU, in 2018. The release of the EP and their live reputation caught the attention of critics, music fans, and record labels alike. Signing to the SharpTone label, the group went into the studio and recorded their debut full-length album, LOST SOULS, which was released in 2021. The album saw Caskets blending their melodic influences with definite Metal leanings, creating something that was bordering on this side of melodic and that side of brutal.

Caskets return in 2023 with their sophomore album REFLECTIONS, which continues their musical journey into a more melodic Metal sound that never abandons its roots but also feels the need to explore and remain fresh and relevant. The group has already gained plenty of attention for the album’s singles – “Guiding Light,” “By The Sound,” and “More Than Misery” – but there’s more to discover once you dive into the album, which is both emotionally and sonically powerful. The group’s debut album introduced a young, energetic band filled with a promise that is fulfilled on REFLECTIONS. This is a band that has gone through a lot together over the last two years, creating a chemistry that is even more apparent than ever before. This is Metal with plenty of melodic hooks and layered, atmospheric keyboards surrounding Matt Flood’s singing/screaming vocals and the sonic gut punch of guitar, bass, and drums. This is one that you’ll need to play loud!

CASKETS

REFLECTIONS

Available NOW!