Beyond The Fallen - You Rise, We Fall

Beyond The Fallen is a self-proclaimed industrialcore band hailing out of Vatican City, Rome. Attempting to clash with the modern cultural crisis, each member of the band decided to form this band, gathering under the sign of Ultimate Enlightenment. There are five member in this band (Kaiten (vocals), Joy (Bass/live vocals), Sakon (synths/live vocals), Chr1star5 (lead guitarist), and NoisyEva (drums/sequencing)). And, though they just started back in 2013, they are here already with their debut album, You Rise, We Fall.

For starters, I was given a very creepy intro track titled Encode. The classical music surrounded by ill-omen backing ambient sounds just gave off a fantastic chill down my spine, and even as the classical inspired sounds dwindled down to nothing, and some electronic sounds broke forth to lead into the next track, I was hooked. A final, distorted scream echoes off before slamming us straight into Qliphotic Perceiver.

And, holy shit, this track was fantastic. Guitar work mixed with screeching vocals, sometimes backed by the usual deep pitched metal chords, with a constant electronic groove slightly heard, as the metal influences are able to crush and overpower all. At the 1:35 mark, we're hit with a bit of an instrumentation bit, shortly encouraged by a brief ambient stop, which leads us through another segment of wicked drums and guitars, which slams out the last portion of the song.

Disconnected continues on the fray, this time allowing the electronic works to be more prominent. Fear not, though.The song doesn't fall back in terms of harsh music in the slightest, and leads through even more riveting moments.

Getting more ambient work in the introduction which flows through every bit of the song, we're also delivered a new set of vocals in Final Solution. Not necessarily growling or screeching, but more or less talking with a bit of distortion leaked in, the new voice fits nicely. The already established screaming also makes its play in the song, but the added touch of chords was lovely.

Removing The Seals showed off that Beyond The Fallen can be just as soft as they are harsh. Whipping out an instrumental that, for the most part, rids itself of guitar work in favor for a steady, but calm electronic beat was different on this album. But the instrumental was fantastic. It isn't until about the final minute rolls in that guitar work makes its presence, but, even then, it still sounds great.

Again, making less use of guitars and more use of electronics, a sort of aggrotech aura surrounded Unleash The Beast. Edging out another track that'll had me squealing in delight made me continue on in my romp.

A main guitar lead and an epic, Holy sound created from the synth work allowed A Place To Hide a firm spot in my heart. The overall screaming and distorting sounds made for a bit of a noisy sound, which granted an even lovelier touch on the overall song.

And, then, another instrumental piece hit. What many would consider creepy, and what I consider amazing, The Fallen incorporated piano chords, struck and held for a bit each time, with an atmospheric texture to it all. Near the end, a sort of choral sampling comes into play, and makes the song that much more attractive. It was beautiful. A transition plays, and we're headed right into Lies.

And, then we're given another new set of vocals. This time, without much effects on them at all, we're allowed to listen to the singer's natural voice. And he actually has a really nice voice. Whether he's screaming, growling, singing, or screeching, Kaiten has it all working for him.

The final track on the album, Decode, leaves little to be wanted. A final dark ambient track filled with all sorts of haunting noises, from electronic tidbits, to reversed sounds and perfectly placed samples, this was another outstanding track.

Coming off of this album, I think I've found a new favorite for 2014. Though the album only extends a little bit over a half hour, Beyond The Fallen has proven that they can not only slam out a great debut album, but that they can do it with style, efficiency, and a dark glamour surrounding them. Check them out; you won't regret it. Oct 22 2014