Written By Lindon Faynes
Metal music and video games go hand-in-hand. For introverted, nerdy, or otherwise socially displaced teenagers who found themselves at the bottom of the playground hierarchy, the combo became an escape hatch. A place where imagination flourished and friendships formed. So it’s no surprise when the two worlds overlap.
Taking their name from the Risk of Rain video game franchise, Ben’s Raincoat are a fresh-faced band from Omaha, Nebraska playing what can be described as technical/progressive death metal leaning into deathcore or technical/progressive deathcore leaning into death metal. Depending on what helps you sleep at night.
Their sound pulls from the translucent, post-rock-tinged aesthetic of bands like Allegaeon, The Faceless, Kardashev, and especially Fallujah’s The Flesh Prevails.
This isn’t the “bare-your-teeth, clench-your-fist” brutality of straightforward death metal. This is death metal/deathcore built on atmosphere: airy textures, shimmering leads, and melodic undercurrents beneath the distortion.
The guitars carry that distinct breezy-yet-crunchy tone. They dance between melodic harmonies, technical passages, and headbang-friendly chugging.
There aren’t any mind-melting, instantly iconic riffs, but specific moments do linger – the leads in “Plunder”, the melodious dissonant chords in “Trial of the Mountain”, and the circle-pit-ready main riff of “Ignition” (my personal favorite).
The EP leans heavily into progressive interludes and ambient breaks. Some enhance the atmosphere, while others feel more like filler, though Ignition again nails it with a strong, tasteful interlude.
The band also uses breakdowns and palm-muted chugs to maintain heaviness despite their cleaner tonal approach, giving the whole EP a controlled but satisfying punch.
Vocally, this is where the deathcore influence takes the spotlight. The vocalist, Dominik English is impressively versatile, drawing shades of Will Ramos and David Simonich, but also pulling out those deranged, witch-on-crack shrieks straight from the Travis Ryan school of “clean” insanity. It adds character, chaos, and a nice dose of personality.
Where the EP falters is in production and songwriting dynamics. There are moments where the band misses opportunities for bigger impact.
For example, the thrashy intro riff in Ignition could’ve landed harder if the bass entered simultaneously instead of hanging back. The production is solid for this subgenre, but with a few small tweaks to levels and dynamics, the entire record could hit even harder.
Verdict:
A solid debut from a young band with real potential. This is the type of atmospheric death metal/deathcore that’s accessible even to listeners who don’t normally tolerate the ultra-brutal slam/grind/gore end of the spectrum.
Strip the vocals and it could even appeal to non-metal fans. It’s absolutely worth your time, and I’m excited to see where Ben’s Raincoat goes next.
Track Listing For Radiant Cliffs:
1. Radiant Cliffs
2. Horticulture
3. Material Possessions
4. Plunder
5. Trial of The Mountain
6. Chorus Flies
Ben’s Raincoat is an American Progressive Death Metal band from Omaha Nebraska. Rouge-Like band with permadeath. Debut EP “Radiant Cliffs” out now.
Line up:
Dominik English – Vocals
Jace Krajicek – Lead Guitar
Nick Jordan – Rhythm Guitar
Jared LeGier – Bass
Geddy Johnson – Drums
Credits:
Released July 25, 2025
Phil Pluskota at Sonic Assault Studios – Reamping, Mixing and Mastering
Erskine Designs – Album Artwork
Kim Anderson – Logo
BENS RAINCOAT ONLINE:
