The journey of British metalcore band Caskets, formerly known as Captives, tells a compelling story of resilience against unexpected legal challenges. According to Metal Forces Magazine, Christopher McIntosh, Benjamin Wilson, and Lee Horner departed from their previous project Faultlines to establish the band’s foundation.
Formation And Early Success
James Lazenby on drums and Matthew Flood on vocals completed the initial lineup. The band released their debut single ‘Ghost Like You’ through the Dreambound YouTube channel on September 23, 2018. This release marked their first significant milestone under the name Captives.
The Legal Battle And Name Change
More Core reported that an Australian band called Captives had secured trademark rights to the name in the United Kingdom. This legal claim forced the British band to rebrand themselves as Caskets.
Digital Presence And Recovery
The transition period created challenges for the band’s online presence. According to sources, their YouTube channel and streaming platform content were temporarily removed. The band faced two options: change their name or accept a twelve-month restriction on releasing new music. Their digital content returned to all platforms two weeks after adopting the new identity as Caskets.
Moving Forward As Caskets
The band announced their single ‘Lost in Echoes’ on May 7, 2021. This release marked a new chapter in their journey under the Caskets name. Their response to these challenges demonstrated their adaptability and determination.
Musical Evolution And Style
Hifiway reveals the band’s diverse musical influences. Guitarist Craig Robinson draws inspiration from country music and The Weeknd. Benji Wilson incorporates elements of shoegaze and electronic music. The band also finds inspiration in classic rock acts like Status Quo and Thin Lizzy, as well as film composers John Williams and Hans Zimmer.
Industry sources confirm their debut album ‘Lost Souls’ reached #4 on the UK Rock Charts in August 2021. This achievement proved their fanbase remained strong despite the name change.
Idobi documents the release of their sophomore album ‘Reflections’ in August 2023. This album showcased a more collaborative songwriting approach. All band members contributed significantly to the creative process.
The album’s success included well-received singles ‘By The Sound’ and ‘Guiding Light.’ They also collaborated with Telle Smith from The Word Alive on ‘More Than Misery,’ strengthening their position in the contemporary metal scene.
