Grey Skies over Rapture, a band from New Zealand's capital, has released a three-song EP titled Kings in the progressive death metal genre. The 12-minute release features melodic elements and draws attention for its emotional range despite the band's low profile since 2013. A review praises its atmosphere but notes mixing issues.
Grey Skies over Rapture, originating from New Zealand's capital, entered the music scene in 2013 but has maintained a low visibility, averaging fewer than ten monthly listeners and a minimal Bandcamp following. Their latest EP, Kings, marks a concise entry into progressive death metal, comprising just three tracks that total 12 minutes. The band describes itself as melodic death metal, a characterization that aligns with the reviewer's observations of its genre-blending qualities.
The EP opens with "Lunacy," the longest track, which shifts from dark, groovy sections to uplifting passages with whispered vocals and prominent guitar work. Reviewer notes highlight its slightly progressive instrumentation over a fuzzily mixed base, leaning more toward melodic death metal. The title track, "Kings," evokes post-rock influences through melancholic guitars, tremolo picking, and an atmosphere blending dread and hope. Its reflective lyrics complement the music, creating a digestible and emotionally resonant piece.
Closing with "Immortalized (Kings)," the EP continues the melodic vein, offering another dose of atmospheric metal. While the ideas across the five band members' contributions are intriguing, the mixing by NEKKO MIX draws criticism for muddled guitars and bass, with clarity only emerging in solos. Richard Matthews' gutturals are deemed fine for the short runtime, avoiding staleness. The EP earns a 7/10 rating, with the reviewer expressing interest in the band's future and recommending it to a wider audience.
Band members include Jake Forster on drums, Ben Claxton and Andrew Collett on guitars, Richard Matthews on vocals, and Joshua Murray on bass.
