Committing yourself to an unfiltered string of consciousness is universally known as an extremely difficult venture to navigate, especially when that source of inspiration for a momentous moment in a musician’s lifetime comes from such volatility behind closed doors.
This is why the triumphant debut LP Lost Souls by the Loiner Alternative Metalheads Caskets, is officially one of the most enticing and relatable modern soundtracks delving into the realms of emotional degradation.
Although known in certain circles as the masters of towing the line between the heaviest aspects of metalcore and the melodic beauty of softer takes on the audible embodiment of vulnerability; the five-piece re-inventors dynamic energy in every track of their latest release is a testament to their unquestionable ability to capture the many essences of trauma, in hopes of inspiring a sense of togetherness with fans struggling with similar issues.
It is with this in mind and the yearning for deep connectivity to the albums overwhelmingly tragic subject matters, that the most impactful standouts include ‘Clarity’ and ‘The Final Say’ due to their true depth of rawness displayed across all facets of their run times.
‘Clarity’ comes across as an in-depth look at manic ruminations surrounding the concept of purpose, while battling constant suicidal ideation as it weighs heavily on the narrators mind. With its already heavy content within its lyrical exploration; its orchestral undertones hark back to an early 2000’s Ben Moody-esque Nu-Metal soundscape, which just increases the deeply intensified overall flow of bleak and dire straits unfolding before us to a whole new level of paralysing numbness.
As opposed to the feel of previous tracks, ‘The Final Say’ holds a very different kind of tremendous power in its savage and guttural approach. With lyrics that can only be described as the after effects of child abuse and parental reckless abandonment, its brutally honest take on the excruciating emotional toll that kind of violation of trust can do to a child is truly soul destroying. To explore such a troubling time in your life is an extremely courageous act that we should be applauding Matt Flood for bringing to the surface, yet we feel we must also applaud him for displaying something especially important about the way we should treat one another.
Besides the palpable demonstration of overt sadness and hostility behind its lyrics, this song expertly highlights how that traumatised child still lives inside the heart of survivors. This song is a lesson in patience and understanding within in a world where quick fixes are favoured as the norm; it is a lesson in being kinder to ourselves in order to take back control from those who have wronged us.
As we know, breaking away from the toxicity of our past is no easy feat; the fact that Caskets have braved the unknown territory of musical expansion with such a continuously emotionally charged exploration, is incredible and beyond the expectations of what they would of offered up for their debut. The readiness to bare and harness their souls in an effort to achieve freedom from their ball and chains, is proof of their undeniable devotion to the craft and the understanding for potential change music can have on the lives of those around them.
Lost Souls will forever be known as a defining moment in the bands history not just because this is their first LP, but because the experience of saturation from the blood, sweat and tears poured into this master class of emotional availability will not be forgotten easily.