Between the Screams
British ambient metal band from the late 2000s.
Between the Screams (also referred to as BTS) were a British progressive metal band from Southend-on-Sea. Alongside acts like Devil Sold His Soul, *Shels, and Rinoa, they were a key part of the late-2000s ambient metal scene, a short-lived style that mixed metalcore, electronics, ambient shoegaze, and post-metal.
The group formed in February 2006, founded by guitarist Daniel Waterhouse, vocalist Adam Wolf, and drummer Mark Ravinet. After placing an advert, they brought in bassist Terry Blake and electronics player Chris Froment. Their name came from a Cult of Luna song, one of their major early influences.
In February 2007, they recorded two tracks with producer Mark Williams (Devil Sold His Soul, Enter Shikari, Sikth, Biffy Clyro) at Criterion/Battery Studios. After a summer of shows, they returned to record two more tracks with Williams. Three of these four songs formed the basis of their debut EP, *Embryo*. Though it had circulated earlier, the EP was officially self-released in May 2008. It earned strong praise: the track "Chrysalis" got airplay on BBC Radio One, and "Time (The Undoing)" appeared on a Metal Hammer covermount CD.
Drummer Mark Ravinet left in 2008 to continue his education, replaced by Chris Horton from May of that year. That summer, the band began writing their debut album with Horton. They spent two weeks recording in the Welsh countryside with producer Joe Gibb (Funeral for a Friend, Brigade) at Mighty Atom Studios, titling the album *Our Last Days On Earth*. Following the positive reception of *Embryo*, Basick Records agreed to release the album in spring 2009 and signed the band to a two-album deal.
*Our Last Days On Earth* came out on 5 October 2009, featuring eleven tracks running 45:08. The sound had grown heavier and more aggressive while keeping the band’s signature progressive ambient textures. It received high marks from the music press: 4/5 from *Kerrang!*, 8/10 from *Rocksound*, and 9/10 from *Metal Hammer*. The track "Blood Red Dawn" also aired on the Radio 1 Rockshow. Online outlets were similarly positive: Soundshock called it "the soundtrack to the heavens collapsing and the fires beneath the earth raging" (8/10), while Subba-Culture described it as "some of the most beautiful metal of the year." The album appeared on several end-of-year lists and produced one sing
- formed
- February 2006
- origin
- Southend-on-Sea, UK
- genre
- Progressive metal, ambient metal
- years_active
- 2006–2011 (indefinite hiatus)
- label
- Basick Records
- notable_release
- Our Last Days On Earth (2009)
Lore & Background
Between the Screams were formed in February 2006 by Daniel Waterhouse (guitars), Adam Wolf (vocals), and Mark Ravinet (drums). Terry Blake (bass) and Chris Froment (electronics) joined after replying to an advert. The band name was taken from the lyrics of a Cult of Luna song, one of their biggest influences. They recorded two tracks with Mark Williams in February 2007, then two more later that year, three of which formed the basis of their debut EP, Embryo, self-released in May 2008. The EP received acclaim, with the track 'Chrysalis' played on BBC Radio One and 'Time (The Undoing)' featured on a Metal Hammer covermount CD. Drummer Mark Ravinet left in 2008 to pursue education, replaced by Chris Horton from May 2008. In summer 2008, the band began writing their debut album with Horton.
Reader's Guide
Between the Screams are significant as a key act in the late-2000s ambient metal scene, a niche movement that blended metalcore, electronics, and shoegaze. Their debut album, Our Last Days On Earth, was widely praised by both mainstream metal press (Kerrang, Metal Hammer, Rocksound) and online outlets, with Soundshock calling it 'the soundtrack to the heavens collapsing' and Subba-Culture deeming it 'some of the most beautiful metal of the year.' The album made several end-of-year best-of lists and its single gained unexpected airplay on alternative TV channels. Though the band's active period was brief (2006–2011), their work—particularly the Embryo EP and the album—helped define the ambient metal sound of the era. Their legacy is that of a cult band whose music continues to be referenced by fans of the genre, despite the band's indefinite hiatus.
Did You Know?
- The band name was taken from the lyrics of a Cult of Luna song.
- Their debut EP Embryo included three tracks recorded with producer Mark Williams.
- Drummer Mark Ravinet left in 2008 to pursue further education.
- The single 'Our Last Days On Earth' was a surprise hit on Scuzz TV and Kerrang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Between the Screams?
Between the Screams (often shortened to BTS) were a British progressive metal band out of Southend-on-Sea, active from 2006 until an indefinite hiatus in 2011. They are remembered as one of the defining acts of the short-lived late-2000s ambient metal movement, alongside groups like Devil Sold His Soul and *Shels.
What style of music did Between the Screams play?
Their sound blended metalcore, ambient shoegaze, post-metal, and electronic textures into a broader progressive and ambient metal framework. This fusion was a hallmark of the brief ambient metal scene they helped define in the late 2000s.
Who were the members of Between the Screams?
The lineup consisted of guitarist Daniel Waterhouse, vocalist Adam Wolf, and drummer Mark Ravinet as the founding trio, later joined by bassist Terry Blake and electronics player Chris Froment after the group placed a local advert.
What is Between the Screams's most notable release?
Their standout album is Our Last Days On Earth, issued in 2009 on Basick Records. It is generally regarded as the band's signature statement and a key reference point for the ambient metal subgenre.
Why is Between the Screams important to post-metal and ambient metal fans?
They helped shape a distinct late-2000s microgenre that wove post-metal dynamics, shoegaze atmosphere, and electronics together with metalcore aggression. Though their run lasted only about five years, their influence is still cited alongside contemporaries like Rinoa and *Shels when discussing the era.
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