Canadian quartet COUNTERPARTS — Brendan Murphy, vocals; Kyle Brownlee, drums; Tyler Williams; guitars, and Jesse Doreen, guitars — dropped Heaven Let Them Die, a surprise EP, showcasing the band going harder than ever before.
The band has also shared videos for “A Martyr Left Alive” and “No Lamb Was Lost.”
“Heaven Let Them Die is Counterparts at our most aggressive — sonically, lyrically and visually,” says Murphy. “Picking up where Eulogy ended, Heaven Let Them Die details how I came to terms with all I had foreshadowed in the previous release and how that led me to where I am now. This EP is the most authentic representation of Counterparts to date — honest, harsh and without restraint.”
Since forming in 2007, Counterparts have gone from the Hamilton, Ontario, underground to touring the world as one of Canada’s most important and impactful musical exports. They’ve released seven full lengths, with A Eulogy for Those Still Here landing in 2022. They’ve also released four EPs and a live album. Now, they have delighted fans with the surprise EP, Heaven Will Let Them Die, out via Pure Noise. The band has sold 250,000 albums through the course of its career and their most recent headliner in support of AEFTSS was almost entirely sold out.
COUNTERPARTS recently discussed their surprise EP, Heaven Let Them Die, with Kerrang! magazine, unveiling a bold and heavy musical direction that reflects both personal and collective struggles with grief and religion. In an engaging conversation with Brendan Murphy, the frontman expressed the desire for the band to release music unexpectedly, much like artists in hip-hop. He noted the EP’s arrival was planned to hit at a specific moment, albeit not directly tied to the recent U.S. elections.
The six tracks are described as the heaviest the band has ever released, showcasing a commitment to raw aggression over melody. Murphy shared insights into his creative process, revealing that while he finds writing and recording daunting, the live performance aspect excites him. He aims for their music to be a visceral experience, embodying chaos and intensity.
The themes explored in Heaven Let Them Die continue from their previous works, delving into the aftermath of loss and expressing a metaphorical desire for revenge against a higher power that he feels has allowed suffering. The EP is a direct follow-up to their earlier album, A Eulogy For Those Still Here, capturing the essence of grief and transformation.
Murphy also discussed the provocative artwork and the music video for the single “A Martyr Left Alive,” which faced controversy due to its dark imagery. He emphasized the band’s aim to push boundaries and elicit strong emotions through their art.
Looking ahead, COUNTERPARTS plans to tour in 2025, promising a mix of new heavy songs and older material to create a dynamic live experience that encourages audience engagement. The EP is available now via Pure Noise, marking a significant step in the band’s evolution.
