Caskets – The Only Heaven You’ll Know [Album Review]

Review: Jack Price

818 days. That’s how long we have waited for the next emotionally over-clocked chapter in the Caskets story. Reflections, in 2023, gave us a collaborative insight to the members lives and trials while delivering catchy hooks and banging tunes. For frontman Matt Flood, The Only Heaven You’ll Know is a cathartic look into his mind, his personal growth and farewell to lost or buried parts of himself, not a goodbye note but a survival guide. Musically, it’s tip to top bangers. Despite reverting to a quartet, the music has flourished as the band grows and matures to hold steadfast against the harsh topography of the industry and scrutiny of this world. That being said, Caskets continue to hold a candle, nay, a beacon of shining hope in darkness.

The album is exactly what we, the fans, wanted. It’s gritty, it’s angsty, it’s fucking heavy and hurt, which was the first word that came to mind as soon as Matt’s vocals burst in on Lost In The Violence. Not wounded or sullen. He’s hurt and pissed the fuck off about it. And yes, we finally get some dirty vocals on this record! The vocals sounds amazing and hit harder than anything Caskets have brought to the table to date. Starting the album off this strong is a bold move, but the pace is set and the boys deliver.

Holding tight to their synth-heavy brand of metalcore, with the soaring and roaring vocals Flood provides both compliment and contrast the music, with chugging guitars and hammering percussion. Our Remedybrings an amazing balance of everything band does well, synth and ambience with crystalline clean vocals before the heavy toned chugs drive through the chorus.

The title track, The Only Heaven You’ll Know, is an emotional roller coaster of pain, grief, hatred and angst, delivering a tight and first guitar solo of the record. For anyone who has experienced the pain of loss in Matt’s words, this feels too real. The follow up track Closure feels disjointed but with purpose. It perfectly encapsulates the disarray of one’s mind when struggling to make sense of the chaos left in the wake of defeat. Benji Wilson’s guitar work is reminiscent of early Bullet For My Valentine on this track, bringing a touch of clarity to the vibe of the track.

Despite being compared to the likes of Bad Omens and Dayseeker, heck some reviewers even claim Caskets have attempted to ride the coattails of recent releases (to which I am calling bullshit), Caskets have taken an experimental approach to some of their tracks. They have delivered a diverse album spanning the bedlam inside a tortured yet resilient mind, a broken heart and an ironclad will. Sacrifice and What Have I Become showcase the bands creativity and prowess to weave story through songwriting.

Matt’s story of agony, misery, sorrow and hope triumphs through both his brave lyrics and theatrical vocal performance. James Lazenby’s percussion drives the album forward, setting the chaotic tones whilst simultaneously supporting the moments of clarity. Benji and Craig Robinson’s guitar work is catching, heavy and progressive, adding to the ambience of the album.

Compared to Reflections, The Only Heaven You’ll Know is ultra personal and hits home for this reviewer, rather than some songs just being catchy and fun. There isn’t a track on this record that I don’t relate to in one way or another. Will this be the same for everyone? Absolutely not. Is it worth the time to listen? Definitely. Let’s hope we don’t have to wait another two years for more Caskets, but until we do, The Only Heaven You’ll Knowshould be enough to tie us over.

THE ONLY HEAVEN YOU’LL KNOW (ALBUM) – OUT NOW
https://bfan.link/the-only-heaven-you-ll-know

Caskets will be back down under with Polaris, We Came As Romans, Thy Art Is Murder, Ocean Sleeper, Reliqa and Headwreck for Life’s A Beach in February 2026.

We Came As Romans with special guests Caskets + Headwreck

Life’s A Beach