Stories and Soundscapes

‘Warring Elements’ is the debut EP from progressive metallers Disconnected Souls.

Based in Chester/ Manchester, the band wanted to create something different, something that incorporates a range of metal subgenres whilst maintaining a unique sound. The seven track EP tells the story of two opposing forces as they battle with each other and attempt to make sense of the world around them. It isn’t a straight-forward as good versus evil, it is far more complex than that.

‘Emergence’ and ‘Divergence’ link together to create a dramatic and theatrical opening to the EP. These tracks draw from influences of symphonic metal respecting Holly’s vocals and the use of orchestral instruments. The heavy breakdown introduces oriental motifs and brings a feeling of fantasy to the track.

‘Oathbreaker’ combines what is best described as a heavy hard rock track with a synth fuelled breakdown. Keeping a sense of the eerie and dissonant, the first verse sees Patrick and Holly’s vocals deliver an emotional and ethereal harmony.

Experimenting with song structure is hugely important to Disconnected Souls and that can be seen in ‘Deviate’. It contains but one chorus and yet, it doesn’t feel lacking through the instrumentation of the breakdown and outro.

‘Shatter’ is best described as a ballad. It’s not your normal ballad by any means but guitar tones, keys and synths have all been carefully used to produce a track that conforms to this style, with a Disconnected Souls twist of course. The double kicks on the bass drum run throughout the chorus giving a boost of energy and Patrick’s harsh vocals introduce that distorted tone that keeps this track grounded in their sound. This track also features a number of guest musicians and artists in the ‘The Choir of Souls’: Courtney Dean, Matthew Simon Fletcher, Felix Hughes (LycanFell), Helen Jarsdel, Patrick Lloyd, Thomas Lloyd (Curse Of Dawn), Lee Mintz (Mithya, DSME), Conner Nickols (Transplant Junkie), Lindzi North (Curse Of Dawn), Holly Royle, Jordan Taylor, Iona Woods, Jonny Young (Fight The Tornado), William Alex Young (The Enigma Division and Defences).

The title track, ‘Warring Elements’, is the heaviest on the EP and was created around the idea of two opposing forces – the warring elements. Disconnected Souls use eight-string guitars and for this track, they really wanted to make use of this. The aggressive guitar tone, immense bass and techno style synths draw together to form an incredible track. This track brings in new techniques and experimentation; the rap section prior to the breakdown explores Patrick’s vocal style and brings another dimension to the track. The breakdown itself is monstrous. The half-time section replicates the slow-motion feel of a dramatic fight; the climax of the action. The dynamics of the track change suddenly with an intricate piano melody following the breakdown. The piano melody includes the main motifs from all of the tracks on this EP wonderfully drawing together the concept that runs throughout.

‘Mischievous Spirits’ brings a very different sound the release. This bonus track is an unusual addition that greatly deviates from the other tracks. This instrumental features a variety of traditional folk instruments including Felix Hughes’ performance on the kalimba. It is an incredible ethereal sound. Despite being so different, it has received great praise from fans and brings a calming end to the dramatics of the previous tracks. 

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Lyrics: Patrick Lloyd, Holly Royle, Matthew Simon Fletcher, Tim Jenkins

Music: Matthew Simon Fletcher, Patrick Lloyd, Holly Royle, Tim Jenkins

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Vocals and Drums recorded by Andy Fernihough at Faktory Studios. Mixing and Mastering by Christoph Wieczorek at Sawdust Recordings.

Session Drums: Alex Lacey

Artwork: Simon Atkinson

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