As their intricate and powerful new single ‘Suffering’ showers down amongst a magnificent blend of musical precision and absolute philosophical depth, Staten Island Progressive Metal outfit Somber Skies aim high and hit the mark with unforgettable intensity.
‘Suffering,’ which is set to be released on June 10th and features the NYC band’s distinctive and skilled guitar work amid the live crash of immaculate drumming and heavily immersive bass, makes excellent use of juxtaposition throughout its nearly six-minute duration. The issue of anxiety and sadness combined, as well as the downward spiral towards suicide, is conveyed as admirably ferocious and unforgiving, from the loud scream of heavy metal to the melodious and synth-soaked breakdown of later passages. The band nails it when it comes to expressing this attitude, enthralling their audience while describing the sorrow and ‘Suffering’ that comes with being overwhelmed by one’s own struggles and loss.
Somber Skies, as always, lead with excellent lyrics and structure. Our protagonist wanders through the prison of their own mind, losing touch with reality and eventually surrendering to the only known way out. ‘I suffer interminably, this is the end of me,’ resounds and reverberates throughout the work, creating an escalating sense of disorder before the eventual collapse or melting of all surrounding elements. As the music and intensity wind down to an eventual, unavoidable, and artistically-rooted standstill, the song’s concluding quarter just repeats this eerie implication.
The band’s iconic blend of gloom and high-octane, impassioned performance makes for an enthralling and explosive return, further establishing Somber Skies’ status within the future of progressive metal, djent, and alternative rock.
Check out Somber Skies via Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, & their Website.
