The Fallen
(Great Dane Records)
45:59min
Recently I came across an apple variety called “Crimson Snow” at my trusted fruit dealer. Great name for a melodic Death Metal album was my first thought. But “The Fallen” somehow fits quite well. Melodic Death / Black Metal from France, second full-length after the debut “Carthago” from 2018. Nine songs that combine the best of both Death and Black Metal in the sign of melody. That is important to mention, because sometimes it is very, very melodic. Both in terms of the use of keyboards and the guitar riffs. In fact at some moments, especially during longer instrumental parts, it sound more like traditional Heavy Metal. Which is not a bad thing, but the aggressiveness of a band like NAGLFAR is largely missing. Instead a band like NECROPHOBIC, which also relies heavily on keyboards, can serve as a reference point. However, when it comes to vocals, “The Fallen” remains completely committed to the genre Black and Death Metal. There is grunting, screaming and shouting, a real joy. The spoken words part in the song ‘The bird, The Tower And The Lord’ is something to be ashamed of, sounds like a cheap radio play. But it is only very short and remains the only negative point on this thoroughly well-made album. Melodic Death and Black fans should definitely get involved with INLANDSYS, but friends of traditional Heavy Metal sounds who are not afraid of genre typical Death / Black Metal should also give it a try. More information can be found here: www.facebook.com/inlandsysband, www.facebook.com/greatdanerecords
Mirco Szymyslik