BEFORE THE FALL

"Slow Descent" (Self-released; 2009)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

For a band with a female lead vocalist, Before the Fall sure has some balls.

"Slow Descent" is probably unlike anything you've ever heard before. The songs are basically driving rhythms heavy with raw, rough-edged guitar riffs that are paired with powerful, passionate female vocals. What's interesting is that, if you heard the two separate from each other, you'd swear they would never work together. Put them together, however, and you've got an impressively heavy yet soulful collection of tunes that you can't help but get caught up in.

Comparisons to bands like Evanescence are unavoidable, yet Before the Fall are bolder in their songwriting style and performance. The lyrics are genuine and emotional and the songwriting style daring and unique. Throughout the 12 track CD, the band provides an impressive, non-repetitive collection of killer riffs and leads and vocalist Misty Silva has a voice that means business.

If there's any complaint about this CD it's that the production is a little sterile. With the right producer (or perhaps the right equipment), "Slow Descent" would have benefitted from a little more depth in sound. It isn't bad as is; it could have just used a little more punch and some smoothing.

It will be interesting to see where Before the Fall goes in the future. With a CD as promising as "Slow Descent," things could get exciting for the band very quickly.

Before the Fall: Michael Gendron, Jon McGee, Misty Silva, Dan Racine, Nick Brown.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/livebeforethefall or http://www.beforethefall.net.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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Copyright © 2009 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 15 Apr 2024 14:51:33 -0400.