We approach 11pm, the wind blows and it is damn cold outside. However…baby is sleeping, the cat is sleeping (let’s face it, few of us are as tired as a cat who has done absolutely nothing all day) and I am unwinding with a Kit-Kat and a cup of tea. It seems like a moment to pop the headphones on and dip into a quick review.
I will share the press release with you and then have a listen.
Press Release:
Building on the sonic foundation laid by their debut EP “Desolate Seas & Darkened Skies” and recent singles “Pull The Pin” and “Crawl,” “As It Is Above, So It Is Below” sees the band expanding their signature blend of crushing riffs, dynamic melodies, and emotional depth into a bold new chapter of sonic intensity.
Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Alun Davies, with Chris Tidey on guitar, Adam Aldridge on bass, and Alex Budge behind the drums, Before The Sirens have become known for wielding heavy music with thunderous impact while revealing moments of soaring melodicism and powerful lyrical substance.
“This EP represents a deeper journey — musically and thematically. We pushed ourselves to explore contrasts, tension and resolution, and to capture that raw electricity you feel live in a studio recording,” says the band.
“As It Is Above, So It Is Below” was recorded and produced with an ear toward both devastating heaviness and compelling accessibility. The result is an immersive collection of tracks that showcase the band’s evolution: heavier breakdowns, richer harmonic textures, and lyrical themes that grapple with struggle, transcendence, and personal revelation.”
My Review:
The EP has five songs and lasts just under 24 minutes. It was released on December 19 so is out on all streaming platforms now.
“As it is Above” opens with a heavy drum beat, crashing guitars and crushing riffs. The drum sound is impressive and although the track is surely heavy, the melody is retained in the chorus section and it would carry a listener base beyond urban metal alone. A really impressive video goes with this one, I liked it a lot and have placed it below.
“Trust” is up next and you could see this one doing well live. It would slot neatly into late night metal radio as it has a more commercial beat to it. I liked the chorus and the hooks worked nicely. The vocals worked for me too, it was close to being my favourite on the EP and it’s probably the one I would point to the lover of hard rock to listen to first.
“All we Are” sees the best vocal sound on the album from Alun Davies, he nails it. Alongside this the strong vocals the song lyrically tells its tale in a slightly slower track that slots well into the middle of the EP.
“Higher” delivers on the guitar sound, while the lyrics tell us of the monster that is under our nose – don’t be a pawn in someone else’s game! Again, it blends a strong chorus inside an urban heavy side. It walks the streets with the lights down low.
“So it is Below” closes the EP in a grand style with the amps up and the music hitting out in expansive, heavy, style. It is more vocally experimental and the band are pushing their sound here to see where it goes. This one is interesting and it brings the curtain down (for now).
In summary: Before The Sirens deliver a punchy, late-night urban metal EP that balances crushing riffs with melody and atmosphere.
From the live-ready hooks of “Trust” to the expansive closer “So It Is Below,” this is heavy music that still knows how to breathe.
Headphones on, volume up — “As It Is Above, So It Is Below” is well worth your attention. 🔥🎧
You can stream music by Before The Sirens here.
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