Review / 200 Words Or Less
Drain the Sky
Haunted by Rivers

Level Plane (2008) — Tohm

Drain the Sky – Haunted by Rivers cover artwork
Drain the Sky – Haunted by Rivers — Level Plane, 2008

"Haunted by Rivers" begins Drain the Sky's first release on Level Plane Records. Use of repetition, low vocal pitches, and no percussion make the song oppressive. However, the rest of Haunted by Rivers does not follow in the same fashion. "Sightless" increases tempo and dabbles in hardcore punk. I really like the juxtaposition between the first two tracks. Everything about the music is completely different, and much more pleasing. The eponymous track sets the mood for the rest of the album, but the remaining eight songs show Drain the Sky's truer nature. Slow and growing introductions lead to heavier and more powerful sections. The final song, "Rivers," is a revisiting of the first track, but with distortion, drums, and a quicker pace. Haunted by Rivers will easily be enjoyed by fans of Isis and Boris alike.

6.5 / 10 — Tohm • July 23, 2009

Drain the Sky – Haunted by Rivers cover artwork
Drain the Sky – Haunted by Rivers — Level Plane, 2008

Related news

Birushanah / Drain The Sky Tourdates

Posted in Tours on February 20, 2008

Recently-posted album reviews

Alien Chicks

Toys Taken at Birth
Alcopop! Records (2026)

EP HIGHLIGHTS – “5/4” & “I Killed Uncle Ben” Those who haven’t heard of Alien Chicks by now are sorely missing out. The Brixton trio have been consistently dropping singles and EPs since at least 2022, with funky frenetic energy and a sonic nebula of art punk, jazz, math rock, rap and a whole lotta noise. Released on 2nd October … Read more

Drink Deep

In Reverse EP
Thirty Something Records (2026)

Upon first listen, those close to my age and who may share similar musical tastes may suspect that Drink Deep might be a band from Washington, D.C. For starters, the band takes its name from a Rites of Spring song, wears its influences on its literal sleeves (a brief glance at their social media presence will reveal members wearing official … Read more

Uncle Acid and the DeadBeats

Shapes of Midnight
Killer Candy Records (2026)

Stoner rock is one of the most astounding and incredible genres emerging in the rock scene today. It's a global phenomenon with countless bands across the world, plus various subgenres such as desert rock, stoner doom and psychedelic (heavily influenced by the original psychedelic bands of the '60s and '70s). At the forefront of this genre and in the vanguard … Read more