This is the debut album by Canadian band Falset, who are bound to gain a lot of publicity as they include in their ranks, drummer Chance LaBrie, son of Dream Theater’s James LaBrie. The line-up is completed Zach Copeland (vocals/guitar), Braeden Kozy (guitar) and Riley Fields (bass), but strangely they do not have a keyboard player in the band and given the importance of that sound in the music I do find that somewhat surprising. Those looking for the style of music performed by LaBrie Sr. need to look elsewhere as this a very modern metal album, with huge nods to Linkin Park and Meshuggah with a production not too dissimilar to that often used by Devin Townsend and it was of little surprise to see it was mixed by Nolly Getgood (Periphery, Devin Townsend).
The guys are mixing together the likes of metalcore, modern rock, djent, and prog, yet often it feels just too contrived and polished. I cannot imagine for a minute that they sound like this when they play live, and I believe that if that raw energy could have been captured and not subjugated then it would have been a way more powerful and impactful release. I found myself getting quite frustrated at times, but given I am also not a huge fan of Linkin Park perhaps I am not the right person to review this. It is all very clever, the songs have strong hooks while the musicianship is excellent and the vocals superb, but I just cannot warm to this. It feels too clinical, too clean, and not even dirt and angst (plus they fade out at times, which I cannot stand!). I would go and see them play, but can’t imagine myself listening to the album again.
Rating: 7/10
