I am highly aware that pretty much all of our work at Rampage Mag covers the Midlands. However, when the opportunity to cover Skin Flowers, who are Liverpool-based, arose, I simply had to take it. I have been a huge enjoyer of their sound for quite some time now, and I feel as though I must spread the word of this entrancing metal outfit far and wide.

August 24th marks the release of their new self-titled EP, featuring two brand-new tracks alongside two absolute classics. Having followed Skin Flowers for some time, there has definitely been anticipation surrounding this release. The rise of Skin Flowers has left many wanting a taste of more, and this EP certainly delivers.

Empty Sky

To start an EP, expectations can be quite high. Many artists create such beautiful sounds that, when those expectations are astonishingly high, disappointment can often follow. Empty Sky, however, is one of the strongest introductions to an EP I have had the absolute pleasure of blessing my ears with.

There has definitely been anticipation for this EP in my world, and Empty Sky does a phenomenal job of taking that anticipation, building it up, and then immediately and vehemently releasing that tension by getting straight into the substance of the track. The tones of the guitars complement one another beautifully, while the riffs contribute to that release of tension and, more importantly, have a habit of getting stuck in my head. The snare is particularly cutting, adding to the emotional weight of the song.

As Adara’s vocals come in, they are instantly soothing. Paired with the sultry lyrics and atmosphere created here, they portray an aura of yearning that fits the song extremely well. This is the kind of track that makes me want to walk out of my front door at 3am, get into my car and drive around aimlessly with the windows open, blaring it through the speakers.

The timing and tightness of the instrumentation throughout this track are incredibly satisfying. The chorus is one that will most definitely stick in your head, with a concise and immediately memorable melody. The verses are very well articulated, which I find is a pattern with these guys, and this helps create a genuine connection with the track. You can truly understand the nature of the song as a whole rather than simply getting lost in the soundscape.

The screams sit at the perfect intersection of harsh, emotive and restrained, bringing in a thoroughly enjoyable and moshable breakdown that doesn’t overstay its welcome or become repetitive. Ending the song strongly and abruptly rounds off that atmosphere of building tension before simply giving us exactly what we wanted.

These guys are really coming through strong with the sheer emotion on this EP.

In Flames

Opening In Flames with thunder is perhaps the most perfect way to foreshadow the depth and gravity of what is to come. The guitar is what I would describe as the calm before the storm – not a storm in the sense of heavy instrumentation, but one of heavy themes. Immediately as the vocals begin, the tone of Adara’s voice highlights the weight of the emotion this song is about to make you feel.

“Unforgivable, Undesirable, Understandable, Unfortunately.”

I knew exactly what I was getting into.

This song is one of the most relatable I have heard in a very long while. The subtlety throughout is incredibly fitting, with the first verse gradually introducing well-timed instrumentation. The chorus picks up pace and gravitas exactly when necessary, and the lyrics are so catchy that I am almost certain this will be sung back at these guys at full volume when performed live.

The pace is maintained as the second verse begins, hammering home just how relatable this song is. Dealing with themes of self-image, it explores the kind of feelings many people would be scared to admit they experience about themselves from time to time. Skin Flowers know exactly when to build up and when to break down, and this captures the turmoil of one’s emotional relationship with themselves beautifully.

The guitar solo is incredibly well timed and taps into the emotion of the track perfectly. The screams are added when necessary, while the vocals take centre stage here. The subtlety of the guitar, bass and keys works entirely in their favour.

I won’t give away too much lyrically, but I need to make it extremely clear that there has not been one word, one phrase or one sentence that I have not felt on a deeply personal and emotional level.

Carnality

A welcome change of pace comes as we move onto Carnality – lively, energetic and absolutely full of life. In terms of vibe, I would liken the intro to that of Given Up by Linkin Park, as it carries that same sense of immediate excitement. This is definitely a song that would cause me to rise from the ground as soon as the guitar begins to play.

The drum groove is particularly fitting, alluding perhaps to some Nu-Metal influence. Once again, the timing of the instruments coming in throughout this EP is highlighted here. There is a real cohesion between these four songs; you can immediately tell that this is Skin Flowers. I think that, at such an early stage, establishing a recognisable identity can be difficult for many emerging bands, but Skin Flowers have already begun to carve out a sound that feels distinctly theirs.

The verses create such a strong foundation for a two-step (or two), while the vocal ability is a standout feature. The aggression in the screams is completely juxtaposed by the sultry nature of the cleans, and this contrast works exceptionally well.

The chorus makes me feel like I am the main character in my own screenplay.

As this track concludes, it really hammers home the overall vibe of Skin Flowers. There is a lot of versatility packed into these four minutes, from some seriously chonky riffs as we round things off to a beautifully smooth change of pace. Throughout this track, I feel like I have been through the highs and lows of life, and somehow, I want to do it all over again.

Endymion

What a strong way to end an EP. Endymion is, without a doubt, a standout piece. The production quality is incredible, and the ability of every single musician is showcased beautifully. I have really enjoyed the balance of screams and cleans throughout this EP, but I am also extremely glad that there is a track here that allows those harsher vocals to take even more of the spotlight.

The riffs are exquisite, creating a soundscape that feels full without ever becoming overbearing. The bass complements the guitars beautifully, adding weight without competing for attention.

And then we get to the chorus.

This feels like something the absolute coolest bride, adorned entirely in black, would walk down the aisle to. We have to make this happen.

The entire track is entrancing, and honestly, it’s exactly how a love song should feel. There is something deeply romantic about the way Skin Flowers approach it without stripping away the heaviness that defines them. The guitar solo elevates the song once again, taking it to another level, while the breakdown provides an incredibly fitting conclusion. It isn’t boring, it doesn’t drag on, and it leaves you with exactly the kind of impact you want from the final moments of an EP.

I truly believe this is one of the greatest performances I have had the pleasure of coming across from an emerging band, both as a listener and throughout my career.

Skin Flowers have a natural talent for invoking emotion in the listener and transporting them into a trance of their own imagination. The lyricism displayed throughout this EP is genuinely astonishing. It is simple and complex at the same time, somehow managing to communicate incredibly personal themes without becoming inaccessible.

The songs flow naturally into one another, and the cohesion is on point. The themes explored throughout are deeply relatable, and I believe this elevates the connection Skin Flowers have with their audience. There is something incredibly powerful about hearing someone articulate feelings that you have struggled to put into words yourself, and that is something this EP does exceptionally well.

If there is one thing you do next week, this month or even this year, I urge you to give this EP a listen.

You can also catch Skin Flowers on August 28th in Liverpool at their headline show, or, as I know most of you are Midlands-based, you can catch them supporting BLDSUGR! in Wolverhampton on September 26th.

A huge thank you to Skin Flowers for blessing me with this body of work.