Heaven Below is the type of band that just explodes with aggressive energy. The band hardly takes a breath on their album Countdown to Devil. Garnering angst from bands like Nine Inch Nails and Alice in Chains and guitar inspiration from Metallica and Rage Against the Machine, Heaven Below create a sound that is anything but subtle. The vocals are right on par with their dominating drums and guitars. Double bass pounding laced with guitar solos makes me squeal with excitement. “The Takeover” makes for a perfect opener, setting the stage for this hard-driven barrage of music. It’s impossible to overshadow those drums, but lead singer Patrick Kennison makes a valid attempt. Once the guitar solo hits, all hope is lost. This song is musically driven and it doesn’t matter what the lyrics are at this point. A similar pattern emerges on “The Congregation” and again I am drawn into the music. Drummer Chad Clark just kills it on that song. It’s beautiful —in a loud, forceful sort of way.
Kennison finally shines on the song “When Daylight Dies” which was produced by former Evanescence member Ben Moody. I don’t know which I enjoy more, the studio version or the acoustic bonus track. Naturally the acoustic version adds a delicate, yet beautiful interpretation of the song. You can hear more pain in Kennison’s voice on the acoustic and we’re all suckers for depressing songs about heartache. Our hearts love to suffer together. Any song that can evoke strong emotions like that is an automatic winner in my book.
One big highlight on this album is the amazing cover of Peter Schilling’s “Major Tom,” which pays homage to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” Many have attempted covers and Heaven Below nail it for a pure fun rock version. Is it the greatest cover I’ve ever heard? No. Is it completely fun and awesome still? Most definitely! I only hope that Schilling and Bowie are just as proud. The upbeat nature continues with “The Laughing Dead” —a song about enjoying every minute of life, and that’s exactly what I did as I listened to the song. It ends with a maniacal laugh, the only proper way to end a song with such a title. The album ends on a reflective note with “Judgment Day,” a song about introspection and desires to become a better person. It’s a fitting ending and I give them kudos for ending on a “smart” note rather than seeking to end the album with a brutal mosh-worthy song. It gives you a more satisfied feeling, your brain is mentally full of great music.
I don’t understand the reason behind title Countdown to Devil, since the album has so many redeeming qualities, but it is a great piece of rock music nonetheless. Heaven Below know how to pack and punch and hit you where it counts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristen You can read more about Kristen at her new website http://beerenlightenment.wordpress.com/
