Local Review: BCKRMS — Prototype
Local Music Reviews
BCKRMS
Prototype
Self-Released
Street: 03.14.2025
BCKRMS = Animals As Leaders + Rob Zombie
Meet BCKRMS: the makers of your next indie horror film’s soundtrack to the “masked killer chasing the final girl through the woods” scene. BCKRMS, a horror-inspired heavy metal duo hailing from Salt Lake City, are here to bring the intensity you need to power yourself up to survive a creepy video game or go hard in the gym. Inspired by a love of the horror genre and progressive metal, BCKRMS create fully-instrumental tracks that are like no other.
BCKRMS are Adrien Baldwin on guitar and Dan Dowsett on drums. Debuting in 2024 with the single “Sedative,” which came with cover artwork reminiscent of a grim Saw (2004) movie scene, they captivate fans by creating a sound that truly opens up the imagination to a world of creepy, dark places, getting your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. Their first EP, Prototype, was released a year ago, combining all five of their previous singles, including “Sedative,” into one powerful record.
My favorite tracks are “Fox Mulder” and “Stasis.” If you ever wanted to transport yourself into The X Files’ (1993 – 2018) leading man, Fox Mulder’s shoes, this is the track that will get you there. It builds the tension heavily and deeply, making you feel unsettled while immersing you — as if you’re being watched through your windows and laptop camera. “Fox Mulder” has a cool, staticky middle break to it — super spooky. Listening to this track will make you feel as if you’re on a stakeout in the show, playing back some old radio recordings, making this track a must-listen if you don’t have time for anything else.
“Stasis” is the last track on the EP, my other top choice because of its cinematic feel and sound. It opens with notes that invoke the picturesque thoughts of Y2K cool-blue toned movie scenes of high-heeled boots walking quickly over wet concrete, with live wires hanging in the background. The middle break for this track has a creepy, almost unintelligible voice speaking and electric sounding keyboard — just super glitchy sounds all over. I would not want to listen to this one in the middle of the night — but that’s what makes it so fun and enjoyable, much like the horror genre BCKRMS loves.
As a lifelong horror fan, I truly love this EP. Short as it may be, it packs a powerful punch. I can see Prototype giving inspiration to horror writers, motivation to gym-goers, and fuel to late-night study cram sessions awash in too many cups of black coffee. If your idea of a fun vacation is ghost-hunting in an abandoned hospital, this is the record for you.
You can catch BCKRMS at local venues such as Aces High or Quarters DLC, both in Salt Lake City. Check out their Instagram @bckrms_official for more info. —Cherri Cheetah
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