Dear listeners and readers of Soundville, today we will be listening to the incredible metal EP ‘From Ashes’ by the Maryland-based band Red Skies Dawning. But first, let’s introduce the lineup: frontman Chris Aleshire, guitarist Michael Laulis, bassist Michael Trujillo, and drummer Wyatt Carpenter. Their passion and musicianship intertwine in a flawless rock dance of sheer power. Under the leadership of Chris Aleshire, the band crafts thunderous music charged with unstoppable energy, with songs that grab you from the very first second. The EP was produced by Chris Dawson (SAUL, Any Given Sin) and mixed and mastered by Jimmie Beattie. Their work highlights every gripping moment and texture in Red Skies Dawning’s sound, the kind that stays with you for a long time.
The EP unfolds across six tracks that gradually explore pain, life’s chaos, and the renewal that follows redemption. The cover art and the title ‘From Ashes’ naturally embody this concept, tying every element together. It’s a journey through acknowledging pain, feeling deeply, seeking spiritual renewal, and aspiring to create something greater in order to rise again. All of it is captured with philosophical depth and piercing honesty. This dynamic interplay of contrasts finds its voice in the sound itself: dense, heavy arrangements give way to powerful vocals laced with intimacy and regret. Intrigued already? Then drop whatever you’re doing and dive into the stunning world of Red Skies Dawning. Get ready! It’s going to be intense!
The EP ‘From Ashes’ opens with the first track ‘Where You Been?’. And there will be no long warm-up or preparation here. Heavy metal bursts into consciousness with hurricane force. The scream at the beginning gives you goosebumps, and it seems that the melody does not lose its energy, however, something unique awaits you! Chris Aleshire’s vocals gain a soft alt-rock sound and merge with Michael Laulis’s overloaded guitars, Michael Trujillo’s powerful bass, and Wyatt Carpenter’s unstoppable drums. You know, there’s something here from the atmosphere of emo core, perhaps in the harmonies and the vocal delivery with a slight effect. It’s incredibly captivating because it immediately breaks through the inner walls, letting emotions burst out. Believe me, you’ll want to sing along and sway to the rhythm! Allow yourself that. It’s really cool!
The next track, ‘Obvious’, strikes with its power and amazing lyrics. I like how Red Skies Dawning uses light electronics in vocal processing and blends it with the scream. It has a very striking sound. I like that in ‘Obvious’ there is something intimate, like a plea with an attempt to resist circumstances even through scream and pain. It seems to me that this track continues the concept of the release, but unfolds the emotionality inward, emphasizing the importance of the inner voice.
And as a continuation of the emotional line, the track ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ sounds like a challenge and acceptance of strength. Chris Aleshire’s vocals gain power, an unstoppable passion that gives you goosebumps. It’s absolutely amazing how Red Skies Dawning can remain very romantic and personal while showing their vulnerability before heavy rock. I would like to point out that it is ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ that is in the middle of the release and divides it into two emotional parts. Because in the next track, ‘Dangerous’, the atmosphere becomes deceptively light. The intro hints at lightness, but in the very next second the melody breaks into fiery metal drive. I admit, this is my favorite track because of how the melody swings on the waves and seems to flirt with every beat. Impeccable!
Then the next track, ‘Shipwrecked’, in my opinion, is the emotional center of the release. The guitars roar, the drums deliver their best performance ever, and the vocals are held in a very soft rock style. I like how impeccably Red Skies Dawning worked with the dynamics in ‘Shipwrecked’. I’m sure, you won’t be able to predict how the melody will unfold in the next second. This is definitely the track that can make even the most discerning listener fall in love.
The EP closes with the track ‘Paralyzed’, brimming with thunderous energy and remarkable dynamic flow. This track gives a sense of hope and release, a belief in the future. Every beat of the track transforms into an indescribable feeling of faith, in oneself, in the future, and fills with a sense of hope. You know, after listening to ‘From Ashes’, it feels impossible to think of its tracks as separate pieces. They form a single story, each track flowing into the next to paint a portrait of life, with its pain, acceptance, hope, and rebirth. Every song feels deeply personal, written straight from the heart of Red Skies Dawning. You felt it too, right? Oh, I was thrilled! Be sure to add your favorite tracks to your playlist and follow Red Skies Dawning so you don’t miss even more of this amazing metal rock music!
Hey Red Skies Dawning! Thank you for releasing such incredible rock music. Like, I’ve been listening to rock for years, but your stuff hit different. The sound is just so clean and cohesive. About halfway through the EP it clicked for me – each track has its own vibe and tells its own story. Honestly it was kind of an amazing moment. You guys really made me appreciate rock in a whole new way. Incredible! Creating such an effect takes so much effort and energy, and I really appreciate that! It’s truly draws you into your sound. I’ll definitely share your release with everyone so they can listen to such amazing and gripping music too. I love it and want more! I’m your fan!
With much love,
Soundville
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