"Heaven let them break the fuck down!" This surprise EP from Counterparts takes the band in a darker, heavier direction, delivering an aggressive, raw energy that fans will not see coming. The influence of the band's side project, END, is clearly evident here, with vocalist Brendan Murphy channeling the intense, unrelenting style from his other project. His performance is nothing short of incredible, bringing a sense of raw emotion and unhinged energy, especially on tracks like "A Martyr Left Alive." On songs like "To Hear of War," the band strikes a brilliant balance between the intensity of END and the signature sound of Counterparts, showing just how much they've evolved. Murphy truly doesn't hold back on this EP, bringing a level of aggression and power that sets it apart from their past work.

Another notable shift in sound comes from the drums. The drummer’s performance is impeccable, showcasing tight, dynamic playing that stands out in this heavier atmosphere. The drumming feels massive, with a deep, hollow sound that adds to the heaviness, especially on tracks like "No Lamb Was Lost." At times, the drummer blasts away on the kit, smashing the toms and double kicks with unrelenting force, contributing to some of the most impressive breakdowns on songs like "With Loving Arms Disfigured" and "Heaven Let Them Die." The band has always had a punk-inspired drum style, but here, they've adopted a more straightforward metal approach, which works brilliantly with their new direction.

The guitars on this EP are heavy, groovy, and brutally dense, with riffs that will make you grimace with pleasure as they tear through tracks like "A Martyr Left Alive," "To Hear of War," and "No Lamb Was Lost." The guitar work is unrelenting, yet there’s a shift towards an eerie atmosphere toward the end of the album, providing a chilling and fitting conclusion to the EP. The bass, while present on the opening track, "A Martyr Left Alive," often takes a backseat, becoming harder to distinguish in the mix as the EP progresses. Still, it contributes to the overall heaviness, even if it’s sometimes drowned out by the relentless guitars and drums.

The production on this EP deserves special mention for how it enhances the band's heavier sound. It’s clean, crisp, and has been expertly crafted to make the band sound even more powerful than before. If you’ve ever wanted Counterparts to lean more into their metalcore roots and dial down the melodic elements, this EP delivers just that. It’s raw, aggressive, and a thrilling departure from their usual sound, making it a standout release in their discography. Whether or not it’s a permanent shift in style remains to be seen, but for now, this is a bold, heavy, and electrifying chapter in Counterparts’ journey.