BEFORE THE SIRENS – As it is Above, so it is Below

RELEASE YEAR: 2025
BAND URL: www.beforethesirens.com

The British metalheads in Before the Sirens are back with another EP, ready to impress audiences around the world with their take on a well-established formula. They offer a form of melodic metalcore that might appear a bit generic at times, but it works surprisingly well. It has a universality to it that I really enjoyed. It’s not all that revolutionary nor is it all that innovative, but it’s metal with an attitude. Sometimes, that’s all you need.

The five-track EP As it is Above, so it is Below has some notable tracks that showcase Before the Sirens talent as musicians. They understand how to craft melodic, catchy songs. Nowhere is this more apparent than with the opening track As it is Above.

The track opens with this almost operatic vocal, followed by a groovy riff and a strong rhythm section. It’s a really kick-ass tune from start to finish, and show the heights that Before the Sirens are capable of reaching. Some of the other tracks are a bit generic, but the EP ends on a creative high note with the closing track So it is Below.

Beyond the musical shortcomings, the biggest weakness of the EP is the mixing. It’s so noticeable that the vocals are bit too dominant in some places, and a bit drowned out by the music in other sections. I suppose this is an issue that will bother some more than others, but it’s worth pointing out.