ALBUM REVIEW: For The Fallen – Vice
Mental fortitude is something the populace has required a lot of as of late. From political news and financial crises to every day personal trials, even the last few months have been difficult to say the least. How do we rise above? By developing the strength of the mind to do so. Seems easier said than done, doesn’t it? Many would argue it is, but, with their new record For The Fallen, VICE seek to articulate that which we can’t put into words.
The Mancunian trio follow 2017’s The First Chapter with eight tracks of pure UK metal. Those who think eight tracks is a little light for a metal album may delight in the fact it comes with a 41-minute runtime. British heavy metal comes with the stereotype of whiny vocals, solos which go on for an aeon, and a bucket load of fantastical worlds. We’ll tackle each of those as the album unfolds but opener Strive comes with a boatload more melody than we’d typically expect. Each core element of the band introduces itself within the intro and pulls us slowly into the world of VICE’s creation. Full bodied guitars from Tom Atkinson give out earthy riffs trickling over the foundation of Connor Summers’ crashing drums. After a somewhat lengthy intro, Atkinson’s vocals shift to the forefront and instantly change perceptions. The gravelly delivery, paired with Aiden Lord’s (bass) gruff growls, is a refreshing listen as we are ordered “forsake your demons”.
Forgoing all sense of showboating, VICE construct a strong opening track with Strive. The repetition of the core instrumentals switching between verse and chorus create a wonderful aural symmetry. As Strive further unfolds, we’re treated to a refreshingly understated solo. The composition of these instrumentals is sublime as a second guitar track is added, delivering a metallic chug beneath the second iteration of Atkinson’s fret work. This composition carries into Rise. While a chunky six minutes long, this is a composer’s dream. VICE are clearly a band who pride themselves on their instrumentals and for good reason, although the wheels do wobble a little as Atkinson’s slightly too high vocal unsettles the apple cart. A clean and melodic chorus calls for momentum to grind to a crawl and this is unfortunately not the only instance. The pace picks up again for the second verse but the constant switching between the two speeds leaves us not knowing if we’re coming or going.
Something which comes to light very quickly is the sheer length of some of these instrumental sections. As mentioned, VICE’s musicality is impressive and will be reflected upon further. However, these aural movements do come to the catalogue’s detriment in places. Rise’s wonderful chug sat atop bubbling basslines sees one of many solos from Atkinson soar above the plains. While this is delightful to indulge in, there is such thing as a little too much. The dark crunch which comes with Vultures is another example of an instrumental which could have been shortened with some finesse. The frenetic energy of the now predictable interlude sounds like a wake of vultures descending to dine on death. A buzz from the bassline further adds to the imagery of the grinding of bones. With all this in mind, it just loses us after a period of time.
As with any medium, For The Fallen is a creature of its time. This record has taken on a lot of negativity through osmosis. Exist & Remain captures that in the single line “the illusion is lost”. Now through the looking glass, the elements of churning guitars expose the world for what it can be: draining and exhausting. The feeling of an emptying resolve is reflected in the song’s constant slowing of momentum yet this is a mechanic which isn’t needed. The strength of the lyrical story can orate that within itself, though talking about “fighting for peace you know you won’t find” being followed by a serene interlude opposes itself. Had this section been removed, the song would have only benefitted. This lack of marrying up between lyrics and instrumentals is picked up again in Failure. The verses house carnage in every way, yet the clean melodic choruses again slow momentum far too much. The oppression and shame which comes with said failure becomes lost in the ether.
Taking a large amount of negativity on board can only breed further despondency within ourselves. VICE take this into consideration with Break The Cycle and Left Behind. The former surrounds the idea of our own mental state trapping us within a vicious cycle of misery while the latter seeks to break out of our shell-like prison. Mental health and the imagery it conjures is a huge opportunity for a band to stretch their lyrical legs. With Break The Cycle however, this chance just isn’t taken. Tales of self-medicating and the “depressive cycle spinning round” may well convey the monotony of depression but the lack of symbolism from a band which prides itself on that is frustrating. The spiralling riffs from Atkinson further drag us into the dirge of our own minds, allowing space for further missed opportunities.
VICE deliver a good yet frustrating record. The formulaic composition becomes predictable after a handful of songs. As much as we hoped to enjoy the record more than we did, we’re left a little disappointed. After the promising The First Chapter, VICE had set themselves up to improve on what they had created. In ways, they have done just that. Their composition skills can’t be denied despite the loopholes in some of the stories they told. The trio are great musicians which again is undeniable and they should be praised for that. Perhaps with time, VICE will tip the balance from good to great. As for now, For The Fallen is a decent listen but not a must-listen.
Rating: 6/10
For The Fallen is out now via self-release.
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