AtanariaWith Heaven Let Them Die, Counterparts dive deep into a raw, haunting portrayal of anguish and decay, possibly crafting their most intense release to date. Dropping suddenly and coincidentally amid a bleak moment for the world, this EP doesn’t just bring the relentless aggression fans expect but leans heavily into atmospheric brutality, exploring a darker, more harrowing side of the band’s sound.
The opener, “A Martyr Left Alive,” sets the tone with a longer, more dynamic structure that fades in and out of haunting desperation. This track sees vocalist Brendan Murphy delivering an especially visceral performance, one that rivals his rawest, most gripping work. The song drifts between punishing riffs and hollow spaces, giving the EP an almost post-apocalyptic weight that feels both fresh and unsettling for the band. Compared to past releases, Heaven Let Them Die is a departure from catchier hooks and polished breakdowns. Instead, it strips down to the essentials, focusing on conveying a pure sense of desolation, which amplifies its impact.
The EP stands out in Counterparts’ catalog for its intentional divergence from melodic norms. Tracks like “To Hear of War” and “Praise No Artery Intact” drive forward with primal energy, laced with elements of death metal and post-rock, yet these influences are subdued within Counterparts’ distinctive hardcore framework. Guitars are both atmospheric and aggressive, building haunting soundscapes that sweep the listener into a world of darkness. Rather than leaning on familiar Counterparts techniques, the EP uses atmospheric passages and dissonant tones to create an overarching sense of bleakness. The final seconds of “Praise No Artery Intact” in particular showcase an unyielding fury that leaves the listener shaken and perhaps even a bit hollowed out.
Yet, amid the intensity, “No Lamb Was Lost” offers a bittersweet glimpse of humanity. Following up on the themes of love and loss from “Whispers of Your Death,” this song is a heartfelt tribute to unconditional love amid suffering, with Murphy passionately declaring, “I’d kill to keep them both alive.” This line strikes a fragile, beautiful balance against the otherwise relentless despair of the EP, bringing an element of emotional depth that is both refreshing and gut-wrenching.
Counterparts have used Heaven Let Them Die to push their sound toward a realm less about technical precision or melody and more about embodying raw decay and chaos. The result is a release that challenges listeners, confronting them with the specter of existential dread—a fitting soundtrack for our uncertain times. It’s uncomfortable, unfiltered, and haunting, and it might just be Counterparts’ most honest portrayal of human suffering yet.
