Prelude, the new full-length by Toronto-based melodic death metal band Resthaven, saw the light of day on 15 May. The self-released and almost fully self-recorded album is a step up from their previous album, Lunarwave (2025), the band says. The LP also marks the artistic debut of the collective’s newest member, guitarist Logan, who contributed to the first and last tracks of the record.
Stream the LP here.
The band’s guitarist and vocalist, Braydan Parsons-Reilly, began sketching out the first Prelude riffs right after Lunarwave’s release. Laying the groundwork for their next record, he focused on embodying the aesthetic and atmosphere of Resthaven.
“I took a lot of time with my guitar tone to make sure every note is clear and not too noisy like our last records. I also wanted to have a bigger drum sound, too, that sounded similar to the hardcore records I would listen to a lot. I’m honestly so happy with how this record sounds. It truly sounds like a lot of the OSDM and melodeath records I listen to on a daily basis,” Braydan tells Musiknights.
This time, the inspiration for the work came to Braydan mostly from his headspace at the time.
“It just stemmed from the feelings I’ve been having over the last year, and truly seeing who really cares about me as a person. Also, just coming to terms with stuff that’s affected me in my younger adult years and letting go.”
The musicians self-recorded guitars, bass, and vocals in their homes. Only the drums were studio-recorded at Fast Track Productions by Speedy of Klobber and Portraits of Anger. They mixed and mastered the album themselves.
While serving as a continuation of the act’s eponymous debut EP, Prelude is also a build-up for Resthaven’s sonic future, they say. Eager to road-test their new sonic direction, the band is going to tour behind the album for the next two years.
Resthaven is a four-piece melodic death metal/deathgaze band from Toronto, Ontario, active since 2021. They blend elements of extreme metal, post-hardcore, and shoegaze. The current lineup is:
- Guitar – Braydan Parsons-Reilly
- Guitar – Logan Boden
- Bass – Billie Rogue
- Drums – CD Grind
Cover photo: Bandcamp