FALSIMONIAN – For Survival
- Artist:
- Falsimonian
- EP:
- For Survival
- Release Date:
- Review by:
- Shell Dahlia
As I perused the offerings of metal’s underground, a bright glimmer caught my attention and drew me in. It was one of Falsimonian’s newest single releases, “Freefall.” It instantly stirred excitement with aggressive punches and emotionally heightened melodies. As the song progressed, it became clear that this glimmer required further exploration. It is one of five tracks on their upcoming debut EP, For Survival, dropping on the 7th of November.
Further digging uncovered not just one gem but an entire collection of treasures. It has been forged by bicultural individuals who draw on their life experiences in the harsh environment of the US–Mexico border and the turmoil of modern society as inspiration. The band also incorporates genre influences from Mexican folk, Latin American roots music and jazz. The title For Survival gives the audience a clear indication of the running theme throughout the EP. Humanity’s flawed existence on a continuous downward spiral drives the EP’s lyrical journey and musical techniques.
“Freefall” sets the tone, the lyrical theme being burnout that arises from living in a heightened state of anxiety. Escalating riffs, sombre melodies and crushing death metal brutality make a perfect thematic accompaniment.
Keyboards are introduced and take the front line, setting the pace in “The Enemy.” The devastation felt due to the orchestrated division of society is translated into aggressive vocals, a blackened atmosphere and a barrage of blast beats.
“Limitless” has dominating progressive components with micro-pauses, unconventional musical arrangements and an organised technical chaos. The jerks in tempo and melody symbolise the song’s theme of change and introspection.
The band pushes its progressive boundaries with “Judgment.” Progressive heavy music that doesn’t give people a few seconds of flow and foot-tapping tempo can be hard to digest for some. The band balances it out nicely in this song with sections of flowing melodeath, making it accessible to more than just enthusiasts of progressive music.
With the closing track, “For Survival,” the band juxtaposes Latin American rhythm with melodeath and drum patterns. The song leaves listeners with food for thought: how do we seek out happiness whilst humanity continues to create decline and destruction, threatening our unity and survival as a species, and everything around us?
Although For Survival doesn’t significantly reinvent the wheel, I still consider it a creative, interesting and enjoyable EP that had me captivated from start to finish. It’s packed with lightning-fast guitar solos, pleasing grooves, daring compositions and infectious choruses, making it a treasure chest worth excavating.
Some musical influences include Opeth, Dark Tranquillity, Dream Theater, Children of Bodom and Born of Osiris.
For Survival Tracklist
- Freefall – 3:57
- The Enemy – 4:02
- Limitless – 3:44
- Judgment – 4:48
- For Survival – 5:05
Falsimonian Is
- Erick Valverde – Vocals
- Jesus Fuentes Valverde – Guitars, Keyboards
- Cesar Robles Sanchez – Lead Guitars
- Mauricio “Moritz” Gonzalez – Drums