Skarlett Riot – Caelestia

Skarlett Riot
Caelestia
Label: Despotz Records & Music
Out: October 25^th, 2024
Playing time: 37:36

Three years have passed since the release of ‘Invicta’, the English band’s most mature work to date. I have been Facebook friends with singer Chloe for years. I was also able to experience Skarlett Riot live several times. Unfortunately, the last time I saw them was six years ago. It was in October 2018 at the headCRASH in Hamburg. And now the musicians have released their newest album ‘Caelestia’. Unless I’ve lost count, this is their fourth studio album. Fortunately, there have been no line-up changes since the previous album. This consistency should also ensure quality. Skarlett Riot will be presenting the new album on a tour through the UK in January/February next year.

What’s going on here? I’ve never heard the band so brutal before.  ‘Chemicals’, which has already been released as a single, starts seamlessly with evil growls and hard drums. Not forgetting the powerful bass. Harsh guitar riffs are added later. But singer Chloe Drinkwater can easily assert herself against this thunderstorm of sound. It’s good to have a powerful voice. And this is of course the band’s trademark. What a beginning. The booming drums also dominate ‘Spiralling’. The riffs fly around your ears. And of course the nasty growls are not missing here either. ‘Lullaby’ begins quietly, with industrial sounds. But then Skarlett Riot kick off again with a powerful blast. Chloe shows her vulnerable side in the quiet sections. But she also handles the many tempo changes effortlessly. The crowning glory is an insane guitar. This song immediately becomes one of my all-time favourites from Skarlett Riot. ‘Run’ shines with a catchy melody and a great sing-along chorus. This song is definitely radio-friendly, despite (or perhaps because of) the evil growls. Here, the singer growls in a duet with one of her bandmates. Similar to ‘Lullaby’, ‘Hold Tight’ begins calmly and contemplatively with strings and acoustic guitars. Once again, Skarlett’s vocals seem fragile and are accompanied by echoes. But as before, it becomes powerful. The melody is catchy, especially in the beguiling vocals. And the interplay between ballad-like parts and hard-hitting Metal riffs is once again impressive. On ‘Limits’, Skarlett Riot reflect on their beginnings. That’s how I once got to know the band. However, evil growls can also be heard. In contrast, ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ is melancholic. Once again, the singer beguiles us with her clear, angelic voice. But there are alternating heavier sections. The band obviously can’t be really quiet. It’s not much different with ‘Shatter’. Once again, calm, rocky and hard-hitting passages alternate. Although the quiet part predominates a little here. On the other hand, ‘Violence’ is tough right from the start. And this time throughout. Once again there is a strong guitar solo on top. The final song ‘Luminate’ starts with calm guitar hooks. Later we hear a great Metal anthem.

Skarlett Riot have actually managed to top their previous album ‘Invicta’. ‘Caelestia’ is probably the most varied but also the heaviest that the band has released to date. Singer Skarlett impresses with her enormous vocal range. And is actively supported by her boys. What’s more, Tim Chamber and Daniel Oglesby growl together with Chloe.

Skarlett Riot – Luminate: https://youtu.be/Fqgpbv3VfLQ?si=xiuykuQfbB3SSXSQ

Lineup:

Daniel “Danny” Oglesby – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Luke Oglesby – Drums
Chloe “Skarlett” Drinkwater – Lead Vocals, Guitars
Tim Chambers – Bass, Backing Vocals

Track list:

• Chemicals
• Spiralling
• Lullaby
• Run
• Hold Tight
• Limits
• Who Do You Think You Are
• Shatter
• Violence
• Luminate