Biography
Based in Bristol, England, Burning Skies emerged among the European acts grouped under the deathcore banner during the 2000s. That style merges death metal with hardcore elements, and the band’s vocals reflect both the guttural, demonic growls typical of the former and the abrasive screams associated with the latter. Deathcore itself forms part of the European metalcore lineage, and while Burning Skies never directly replicated American counterparts, Hatebreed—one of the most influential U.S. metalcore acts—shaped their approach, if only at a remove. The term “extreme” applies to far more than their vocals alone; it defines the group’s overall approach, which favors unrelenting force and sensory overload. Their recordings deliver a sledgehammer impact through sheer sonic density, creating an oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere that leaves no room for subtlety or restraint.
This emphasis on thickness and weight also marks the work of Slayer and Carcass, two further touchstones for the band, alongside Hatebreed. In European circles Burning Skies became known for their explicit rejection of emo, the punk-pop strain that flourished in the 1990s and early 2000s; one of their tracks is even called “Emo Assassin.” Singer/guitarist Liam has stated that he harbors no concern about alienating emo listeners, reasoning that such fans would find little to enjoy in Burning Skies’ output anyway.
The group first assembled in Bristol during September 2002 when Liam joined forces with drummer Stu and bassist Andie. Like many underground metal, hardcore, and punk musicians of the period, the members have chosen not to disclose their surnames. By the close of 2002 the lineup expanded to a quintet with the addition of singer Merv and singer/guitarist Ben. Although Bristol gained widespread attention for its trip-hop electronica scene in the early to mid-2000s, the band’s live performances in 2003 and 2004 made clear that their vicious metal-and-punk assault bore no relation to that club-oriented movement.
Their earliest recording, the demo Premonition of Things to Come, began circulating in 2003. One copy reached Lifeforce Records, a modest German independent label with a strong metal roster, and the imprint signed the group. Burning Skies tracked their debut full-length, Murder by Means of Existence, in April 2004; Lifeforce issued the album across both Europe and the United States that August.
This emphasis on thickness and weight also marks the work of Slayer and Carcass, two further touchstones for the band, alongside Hatebreed. In European circles Burning Skies became known for their explicit rejection of emo, the punk-pop strain that flourished in the 1990s and early 2000s; one of their tracks is even called “Emo Assassin.” Singer/guitarist Liam has stated that he harbors no concern about alienating emo listeners, reasoning that such fans would find little to enjoy in Burning Skies’ output anyway.
The group first assembled in Bristol during September 2002 when Liam joined forces with drummer Stu and bassist Andie. Like many underground metal, hardcore, and punk musicians of the period, the members have chosen not to disclose their surnames. By the close of 2002 the lineup expanded to a quintet with the addition of singer Merv and singer/guitarist Ben. Although Bristol gained widespread attention for its trip-hop electronica scene in the early to mid-2000s, the band’s live performances in 2003 and 2004 made clear that their vicious metal-and-punk assault bore no relation to that club-oriented movement.
Their earliest recording, the demo Premonition of Things to Come, began circulating in 2003. One copy reached Lifeforce Records, a modest German independent label with a strong metal roster, and the imprint signed the group. Burning Skies tracked their debut full-length, Murder by Means of Existence, in April 2004; Lifeforce issued the album across both Europe and the United States that August.
Albums
