Invent Animate and Silent Planet deliver a collaborative EP that feels less like a split and more like a shared artistic statement. Across three songs, the bands explore a range of emotional and sonic textures — balancing aggression with atmosphere, and technicality with melody — all while sounding remarkably unified.

The EP opens with “Return to One,” a track that dives straight into tightly wound, djent-leaning riffs and stuttering rhythms that recall a more melodic, less abrasive Meshuggah. The heaviness here is sharp but never chaotic — there’s a precision in the guitar work and a clarity in the mix that keeps the sound clean despite its density. The drums are especially locked-in, driving the song forward with punchy, catchy patterns that give the complexity a sense of direction. As the track progresses, the intensity gives way to unexpectedly groovy sections, showcasing the band’s knack for infectious rhythm and dynamic shifts. Clean vocals glide over the distorted riffs with ease, creating a satisfying contrast that sets the tone for the rest of the EP.

“All the Light Is Gone” shifts gears into more introspective territory, providing a necessary and welcome contrast to the opener’s intensity. Slower and more sensual in its approach, the song feels grand in scale — almost cinematic — with rich ambient textures and emotional vocal delivery. There’s a patience in its pacing; the buildup is deliberate, and when the climax hits, it’s genuinely rewarding. Echoes of bands like Sleep Token can be felt here, especially in the atmospheric layering and the sense of emotional vulnerability that underpins the performance.

The EP closes with “Armageddon Eyes,” a track that brings the heaviness back but does so with an added sense of depth and polish. The riffs remain weighty and smooth, but synths and keys subtly swirl in the background, enriching the soundscape without overwhelming it. Clean vocals once again play a central role, elevating the song’s emotional impact. The interplay between the aggressive instrumentation and melodic elements feels effortless, and by the time the double-kick drums roll in near the end, it’s clear the EP is closing on a high note — energetic, emotional, and fully realized.

What makes Heaven in Bloom stand out is how seamlessly Invent Animate and Silent Planet have blended their sounds. Even though it’s technically a split release, there’s no clear line dividing the two bands. Instead, their styles mesh in a way that feels intentional and cohesive. The result is a record that doesn’t just highlight each band’s strengths — it amplifies them through collaboration.

Heaven in Bloom is more than a side project or a novelty release — it’s a powerful and focused work that captures both bands at a creative high point. Through heavy riffs, ethereal melodies, and thoughtful songwriting, Invent Animate and Silent Planet show how collaborative efforts can elevate metalcore into something truly moving. It may be brief, but it leaves a lasting impression.