I realize that the new CASKETS single “Guiding Light” has been out for a couple weeks now. But I still felt the need to write something about it. This review is going to be a little different than others I write. Most people who know my music tastes are aware that CASKETS is one of my favorite bands. Their 2021 album Lost Souls was tremendous. There really was not a bad song on the album. Honestly, this band’s music touches my heart and my soul. I call it my “feels” music – I listen to CASKETS when I’m sad, depressed, worried. It’s music therapy.
Well, CASKETS recently released a brand new single and video, “Guiding Light”, and it’s everything that fans of this wonderful band could ask for – maybe more. In my opinion, this might be their best yet. It’s another emotional song that tugs at the heartstrings of the listener.
CASKETS is a post hardcore/alternative metal band from the UK. The current lineup includes: Matt Flood (vocals); Christopher McIntosh (bass); Benji Wilson (guitar); James Lazenby (percussion); and Craig Robinson (guitar). The band is working on their second full-length album via SharpTone Records, and if “Guiding Light” is any indication, it should be another masterpiece.
The thing that got me hooked on CASKETS was the unique sound. The music is melodic yet heavy, and includes some cool electronic elements. Flood’s unforgettable vocals are emotional and sincere and make you feel like he is experiencing the same feelings that you are. No songs sound the same, and it seems that the band’s sound and style are progressing and changing.
The opening of “Guiding Light” builds up to an upbeat tempo that continues throughout most of the track. The bridge features an outstanding guitar solo, which leads into a slower, quieter vocal part by Flood that transitions into the emphatic end of the song. The guitars are in perfect harmony and the bass and drums complement each other well. Flood's vocals are simply amazing and take you on a journey through his emotions.
The theme of this song is so relatable, especially to anyone who is going through a conflict with someone they are close with and looking for closure – whether it’s coming back together with that person or moving on. Flood says, “The song is about redemption of your soul. To ask for forgiveness from yourself and from those closest to you in your life. It’s about realizing that you need a ‘guiding light’ – a helping hand to navigate the way through your own personal journey of self-doubt.”
He continues, “I’m sure most can relate to feeling like they need help being guided back to life, from whatever darkness they find themselves in. I struggle to ask for help. Lost in my own toxicity and waves of rage and believing that I wasn’t the problem, everyone else was – only to finally come to terms with the fact I need help. But I also need to be led and commanded by my own hand first and foremost.”
I’m really looking forward to more new music from CASKETS. I know it will continue to get better and amaze their fans and draw in new followers.
CASKETS can be found on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and the band's website.
"Guiding Light" lyrics
So if i sold myself a lie
Would you be my guiding light?
Can i find enough patience in time?
Take a step back and rewind
Or stay, away I decided to hide it and nobody know
What i was going through
Forget it
You’ve said it for the longest time
I don’t wanna hear anymore
So tell me who to trust
If i sold myself a lie Would you be my guiding light? You say that i should find my own way back to life Maybe you’re right
Admit it, we’re finished It’s killing me that you’re Unwilling, to give in To any of my flaws Seamlessly, you’re getting over me So leave my open stitches, I’ll be free
For the longest time I was blindly swimming through a wave of rage Torn inside, lost my mind So go ahead and turn the page
If i sold myself a lie Would you be my guiding light? You say that i should find my own way back to life Maybe you’re right
Help me i keep drowning i need a saviour Help me i scream but no one ever hears my voice Help me i need to swim away from danger You can guide me back to life
Tell me what we’re waiting for I don’t wanna hurt anymore Tell me what we’re waiting for I don’t even know anymore
If i sold myself a lie Would you be my guiding light? You say that i should find my own way back to life Maybe you’re right
Help me i keep drowning i need a saviour Help me i scream but no one ever hears my voice Help me i need to swim away from danger You can guide me back to life
<Annie Schlottman>