Album Review: "Reaching Healing" by Clearer The Sky
If you’re into the raw, emotional punch of metalcore and hardcore, Clearer The Sky’s 2018 release Reaching Healing is worth your attention. Hailing from the UK and self-released under their own label, this album doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but instead leans hard into what makes these genres so cathartic—relentless energy, crushing breakdowns, and moments that just stick with you.
One track that stands out is “Aquhorthies.” It kicks off with this brooding intro that feels like staring at storm clouds rolling in. Then BAM—it hits you with a wall of sound that’s equal parts fury and melody. The vocals are intense, oscillating between guttural screams and almost haunting cleans. What sticks with me most is how the song builds tension without ever losing its grip. You can feel every ounce of emotion poured into it, like they’re exorcising demons through music. By the time it ends, you’re left breathless—and maybe a little shaken.
Another banger is “Faithlie.” This one’s got more groove than some of the other tracks, which gives it an edge. The riffs are sharp enough to cut glass, but there’s also this underlying melancholy running through it. Around the halfway mark, there’s this unexpected breakdown that feels like the floor drops out beneath you. It’s one of those moments where you stop whatever you’re doing and just listen. Like… damn. That’s heavy—not just sonically, but emotionally too.
The production isn’t super polished, which might turn off fans who crave slick studio magic. But honestly? That works for Reaching Healing. It keeps things authentic, letting the raw power of the performances shine through. Tracks like “Speybuilt” round out the album nicely, though they don’t quite hit the same highs as “Aquhorthies” or “Faithlie.”
What strikes me about this record is how personal it feels. It’s not trying to cater to trends or chase mainstream appeal—it’s just three guys pouring their hearts into something real. And yeah, it’s not perfect. Some transitions feel a bit rough around the edges, and a few sections could use more variation. But when has perfection ever been the point of hardcore?
Final thought? Listening to Reaching Healing feels like finding an old journal entry—you know it’s messy, but it’s honest. And sometimes, honesty hits harder than anything else. Now go crank this up and let it wreck you (in the best way).
