by Corey Apar
Merging death metal, hardcore, and melody, Beneath the Sky formed in mid-2004 after various bands on the Cincinnati scene dissolved (most notably Blind Judgment) and some of their members united as one. Comprised of vocalist Joey Nelson, guitarists Jeff Nelson and Chris Profitt, bassist Nick Scarberry, drummer Brandon Sowder, and keytar player Matt Jones, the band first released a four-song demo in early 2005. Through constant promotion and the group's rounds of regional touring, the demo went on to sell over 5,000 copies by the year's end. Beneath the Sky continued to play shows throughout the Midwestern and Eastern U.S. before recording another EP, More Than You Can Handle, which was self-released in spring 2006. It was received well by their local fan base; things escalated quickly and a deal was inked with Victory Records that summer. Their full-length and label debut, What Demons Do to Saints, appeared in January 2007.