ALBUM REVIEW: The Fallout – The Hara
Rock band, THE HARA, have made their return with their newest record, The Fallout. The last few years have been insane for the Manchester trio, thanks in part to their blend of metalcore, emo and rock that’s brought to life with explosive live performances resulting in unforgettable festival appearances and opening slots for the likes of SUM 41 and ICE NINE KILLS. Another part of THE HARA that stands out is their brutal honesty when it comes to personal experiences relating to relationships, mental health and self-identity, topics that connect to anyone who listens, and make many an appearance on this, at times, openly vulnerable record.
Opening the album is Trophy where the first line we hear is, “I wear my skin like a trophy”, immediately setting the scene with themes of self-healing and moving forward from difficult times, before kicking off into a heavy electronic rock sound that shifts between smooth and rough sections. It’s a strong note to start with, and certainly a song that aims to be a sing along moment during a live show.
In fact, a lot of the tracks you can tell immediately will be insane when performed live to an avid crowd responding more than happily. Namely, Easier To Die, a hard rock infused song with a larger than life chorus, and Psycho Killer, a song with heavy nu-metal influence, will be responsible for a lot of aggressive finger pointing and headbangers; whilst Monsters & Demons, which brings together industrial synths and drum and bass inspired sections, will undoubtedly be a statement to also sing along with, especially when we head into the final chorus where we can almost hear the countdown for the mosh pit to go off.
When it comes to THE HARA, there are no rules with what may come next. One moment we can go from hard rock fusion, the next we’re experimenting with electronic beats, as heard on The System, that draws heavy comparison to the likes of THE PRODIGY as the aggressive energy infects you to the point of being ready to rise up and cause anarchy against the aforementioned system. Then in the next moment we can hear much more delicate moments when piano is bought in for slower melodies, albeit short moments before things kick off into the most explosive breakdowns possible but still noteworthy regardless. We’re looking at you Twist The Arrows, Stay, and Bury Me.
And if that doesn’t interest you enough, then how about a feature with Bethany Hunter Jiménez (AS DECEMBER FALLS) on the catchy Violence where one can’t help but bop your head along to? A solid rock album that will share in your frustrations and vulnerabilities alike, leaving you as ready to heal as you will be ready to start a revolution against the system. Perfect balance really.
Rating: 8/10
The Fallout is set for release on January 23rd via Mascot Records.
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