EP Review: Counterparts – Heaven Let Them Die (Pure Noise Records)

Today, Counterparts dropped a surprise EP called ‘Heaven Let Them Die.’ – It is a well known fact that I am a huge fan of this band, so absoloutely no complaints from me.

Opening up with ‘A Martyr Left Alive’ Counterparts waste no time in abandoning any sense of melody. The track slams and brutalizes with each word spoken and chug played, this is immediately, very easily the heaviest Counterparts have ever been. The drums are slamming and constantly switching paces in a complete frenzy that I struggle to put into words. They’re not here to mess around and as they put online –

‘This is the most authentic representation of this band to date.’

It’s no secret that I hold this band near and dear to my heart, alongside their vocalist, Brendan Murphy’s other work in END. In the absolute best way possible, this EP sounds like both of those bands slammed together in a blender, they have then thrown that blender down a flight of stairs and set the house on fire. 

By the end of that first track you’re probably thinking no chance they top it – you’re wrong. “With Loving Arms Disfigured” shows a maturity in the sound, this is no way them throwing shit at the wall and hoping it sticks – it’s methodical and they don’t lose that edge of Metallic Hardcore that’s always set them apart from the pact. The vocals distort in and out, the guitars feel like punches to the skull and it’s genuinely terrifying shit. This going straight into track 3 “To Hear of War” is bound to open up pits everywhere. 

As far as it stands this EP could be one long song, constantly swaying and shifting in its influence and approach. The drums, never losing their groove and always staying interesting. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of two step parts and big fat breakdowns but it’s shrouded in a veil of rage, plain and simple – Counterparts are pissed and aren’t planning to keep that hidden. 

“No Lamb Was Lost” follows this with absolutely no intention to lose any momentum. Between the gorgeous riffs and the throat cutting vocals this is a standout track of the EP. Infectious the whole way through – I’m sitting at my desk yet I feel like punching a stranger. Following that blinder – “Praise No Artery Intact” follows it almost directly, with its plan to make you feel like a victim. Brutality gets lost in a whirlwind of horrifying noise and grindy drums. A perfect example of making the next 2 minutes and 16 seconds feel like the sinking feeling of panic sat deep in your sternum. It makes you feel sick, it’s uncomfortable and anxiety inducing in all the best ways.

5 songs of pure terror, leading up to the title track “Heaven Let Them Die.” A restrained track full of noise and atmosphere, it lets you sit in that anxiety for just a moment before coming back in full force, slams after slams can get tiring, but it gives you that brief bit of respite before coming back to kick you in the teeth. The EP sitting at only 16 minutes long basically feels like being jumped for 15 minutes, getting a hug and then quickly being curb stomped into dirt. 

Well done, Counterparts. This will be getting spun for a very long time.

Counterparts – Heaven Let Them Die

1. A Martyr Left Alive

2. With Loving Arms Disfigured

3. To Hear of War

4. No Lamb Was Lost

5. Praise No Artery Intact

6. Heaven Let Them Die

Pre order physical copies here