| Dead to Fall (DTF) ushers the listener in
with a well-executed fade-in swell. The rhythms that follow are tighter than a tourniquet
around a severed wrist. These rhythms build up to a full metallic onslaught by the second
track. Anyone who is a fan of the Metalcore genre either has this album or needs it. Now.
To the seasoned metal fan, this album may
require close attention on the first spin. What initially comes off as an average Nu-Metal
chug-fest swiftly progresses into melodic speed picking, Slayer-style arpeggiating,
spine-tingling pinch harmonics, and enough tempo variation to induce vertigo.
DTF consistently mixes up the style of each and
every riff. Just when you think it’s safe to bob your head, it’s suddenly time
to bang your head. Some of these riffs are rich enough to induce air guitar renditions.
The influence of Swedish death metal is quite apparent throughout this entire recording,
and the clear distinction between hardcore and metal may be a result of multiple creative
inputs. This band definitely has it together in every sense. It’s not entirely
unimaginable that they may one day reach a celestial status among their peers, but there
is certainly room for refinement. Anyone who enjoys this recording should do himself a
favor and check out fellow locals, Enforsaken.
One of the album’s only downfalls occurs in
the fifth track, “Graven Image.” This blemish is of course forgivable but also
understandable within the context of the song. Around the 2:30 mark, the guitars alternate
between low-end mutes and an ultra-high pinch harmonic. The first couple measures sound
good but quickly become repetitive and slightly mar an otherwise beautiful ending.
Although the bulk of DTF’s songs follow a
fairly similar structure, the riffs contained therein have enough variations on hooks to
reel in fans from every stream. This album is a winner.
So, now the vocals must be considered. As far as
this listener is concerned, multiple thumbs are aimed skyward. Lyrically, this album dives
the dark abyss of human sorrow and regret. This dark aura is further tempered by passages
of anger, aggression, and conviction. A well-honed rasp tops it all off.
While the passion in the words is felt through
the stellar vocal delivery, the poetic grace is only felt within certain locations.
“Tu Se Morta” clearly demonstrates an ability to rise against the cliché of
sadness/death lyrics. Overall, these words truly feel from the heart and for this reason
are wholly respectable.
As long as DTF doesn’t experience internal
strife or other consuming issues, they should continue to grow as a band and develop their
sound. Catch ‘em while they’re young.
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