Kinsley, a heavy music powerhouse based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a testament to the enduring power of creative partnerships and the transformative journey of musical exploration. The band’s origins trace back to the shared experiences of childhood friends Adam Staley and Christopher Jones. Growing up in Hillsborough, NC, the two played in various bands before uniting in the cowpunk outfit, Eno Mountain Boys. Their collaborative spirit blossomed further when Staley decided to dedicate himself to a new project, Kinsley, in partnership with another long-time friend and musician, Christopher Neil Adkins.
Kinsley quickly established its identity within the heavy music scene, producing five albums and EPs in as many years, with Staley taking the reins on production and Adkins contributing to the band’s creative direction. In 2021, Jones officially joined Kinsley, bringing his dynamic guitar work, vocals, and lyrical talent to the fold. This marked a turning point for the band, culminating in the 2023 release of VI, a ten-track opus that showcased their ability to blend melodicism with narrative-driven lyrics. Following Adkins’ departure to Georgia, Kinsley adopted a segmented approach to releases, treating each EP as a self-contained yet interconnected chapter. The first installment, ANGELS, released in June 2024, earned critical acclaim for its introspective and melodic themes.
On January 6th, 2025, Kinsley unveiled DEMONS, the highly anticipated second installment in their thematic EP series. Where its predecessor, ANGELS, soared with introspection and melody, DEMONS plunges into a realm of oppressive atmospheres, heavy rhythms, and haunting narratives. Recorded and produced entirely by Adam Staley in the intimate settings of Hillsborough and Raleigh, DEMONS embodies the band’s DIY ethos, allowing them to craft a sonic experience as raw as it is refined.
Drawing inspiration from horror movie scores, William Blake’s poetry, and Psalm 34, DEMONS explores themes of existential dread, addiction, and redemption. From the apocalyptic soundscape of Ruin to the confessional depths of Possession and the unyielding battle for healing in Exorcism, the EP captures the duality of human struggle and resilience. With its visceral energy and evocative storytelling, DEMONS promises to be an unforgettable journey into the darker corners of the human condition.
Demons EP Track List:
Ruin:
Ruin, the opening track of Kinsley’s EP Demons, immediately immerses listeners into a vast, cinematic soundscape. The song begins with a haunting melody, like eerie birdie-like chirpings with a steady kick underneath before unveiling a brashly energetic distressed djent riffs that deliver a powerful impact, reminiscent of the intensity found in Code Orange’s work. These riffs are complemented by bass hits that evoke the deep resonance of The Weeknd’s The Hills, creating a fusion of heavy metal and modern electronic elements. The production is notably expansive, with soaring guitar riffs and lush synths that contribute to an otherworldly and cataclysmic atmosphere.
The vocal delivery in Ruin is both commanding and evocative, seamlessly blending with the instrumentation to enhance the track’s immersive quality. While the vocals maintain a certain muffled clarity, they effectively convey the song’s thematic depth, adding to the overall mystique. The meticulous production ensures that each element, from the vocals to the instrumental layers, coalesces into a cohesive and formidable wall of sound. This synergy between vocals and instrumentation crafts an epic and intimate atmosphere, drawing listeners into a world that feels both expansive and personal.
From the moment Ruin commences, it evokes a sense of grandeur and intensity, transporting the listener to a realm of epic landscapes and far-off, mysterious lands. The high-quality production amplifies this experience, with each sonic layer meticulously crafted to build a rich and immersive auditory environment. The track’s deliberate pacing and Eastern-inspired elements further enhance its hypnotic rhythm, making Ruin a compelling introduction to Kinsley’s Demons EP.
Possession:
Possession, the second song on Kinsley’s Demons EP, examines the darker aspects of the human mind, investigating themes of addiction and internal conflict. The track opens with a melancholic mood, featuring a gradual progression that reflects the dark powers it depicts. The instrumentation features powerful, resonant beats and dark nuances, forming a suffocating atmosphere that surrounds the audience. This detailed composition showcases the group’s skill in creating music that is both powerful and stirring, inspired by horror film soundtracks and gothic motifs.
The vocal performance in Possession is intense and potent, expressing a haunting and savage force that resembles the icy breath of a primordial, northern gale. The singing blends effortlessly with the instruments, boosting the song’s entrancing beat and enriching its story. The top-notch production guarantees that every aspect, from the stirring vocals to the lively instrumentation, blends into a unified and engaging listening experience. This collaboration creates a setting that is both powerful and reflective, encouraging listeners to explore the thematic intricacies of the song.
As Possession starts, it instills a deep feeling of ritual and reflection, inviting the audience on a path of self-exploration and release. The careful production enhances this experience, as every sound layer adds to a deep and engaging ambiance. The track’s measured tempo and varied dynamics amplify its emotional resonance, establishing Possession as a captivating focal point in Kinsley’s Demons EP.
Kinsley’s DEMONS EP showcases the band’s development and artistic aspirations. By adopting their DIY spirit and taking cues from various inspirations, Staley and Jones have created a unified and emotionally impactful collection of songs. The EP not only enhances its forerunner, ANGELS, but also serves as a strong declaration on its own. Audiences in search of music that stimulates, confronts, and ultimately enhances will discover plenty to appreciate in DEMONS. Kinsley’s careful artistry and dedication to thematic depth guarantee that this EP will remain in the memories of its listeners well past the last note. For enthusiasts of dense, moody music with a storytelling quality, DEMONS is a vital inclusion in their playlists.
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