“My initial thought of an angel was the cute kind of cherub, but traditionally angels aren't comforting figures,” says
Jon Courtney. “They’re often overwhelming, terrifying beings.”
That idea inspires Pure Reason Revolution’s new album, 'Terrifying Angels'. Following the reflective 'Coming Up to
Consciousness', the band returns with a darker, heavier sound, combining crushing riffs, ominous atmospheres and
grunge influences with their signature vocal harmonies.
“The last record was more chill, so it felt natural to do something grittier and more aggressive,” Courtney explains. Collaboration played a significant role in the writing, with founding member Greg Jong, Paul Mullen (Losers,
Yourcodenameis:milo) and Kenny Fitzgerald contributing alongside Courtney. Vocalist Annicke Shireen and drummer Ravi Kesavaram deliver powerful performances, while Mariusz Duda (Lunatic Soul) and Kristoffer Gildenlöw make guest bass appearances.
The album explores angels as symbols of both salvation and destruction. Across seven tracks, themes of love, memory, truth and identity reveal that the forces which transform us are often the same ones that wound us.
“'Terrifying Angels' is about encountering forces that appear redemptive and discovering that transformation is
never gentle,” says Courtney. “The forces that save us are often the same forces that undo us.”
Mixed by Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief).
Limited red vinyl pressing, gatefold sleeve.
Tracklisting:
1. Spin Like Fire
2. Black-Arrow Acrobats
3. Haywire Heart
4. Terrifying Angels
5. Rumination Ruin
6. Below Radiance
7. Hold Your Wrath
