It goes without saying that Scandinavia is the place to look for the best melodic extreme metal. From the ever-evolving black metal scene of Norway, to Sweden’s genre-redefining take on death metal and Finland’s impressive symphonic metal output, there’s a reason why the area is seen as a flagbearer for the genre. As such, it should be no surprise that Babylonfall, taking their cue from the 90s boom of melodeath, will have an impressive pedigree to lean on for their debut album, Collapse.
“Murder of Crows”, the opening track on Collapse, is definitely a nod to the Gothenburg scene, albeit with plenty of modern influences. The guitars are thick and chunky, delivering big riffs, heavy grooves and a nice steady pace – a point of interest for Collapse is that Babylonfall seem content to maintain a mid-tempo approach throughout the album, not really breaking the momentum with any traditional death metal bursts of speed. That’s not to say they there’s no range to what they’re doing. While rooted in melodic death metal, Babylonfall aren’t afraid to mix in some softer rock or alternative metal elements, such as in “Awakening” which utilises frontman Okko Solanterä’s impressive clean vocals in a way somewhat reminiscent of the Russian crew Town Tundra. There’s even a bit of glam rock belting to be heard at times too, which was a bit surprising to say the least.
However, as the album progresses, the guitars of Ossi and Esa Viren start to take centre stage. These two really know how to mix gut-punch grooves and big melodic riffs in a way that gets the most out of Solanterä and his vocal range. It’s kind of a shame that they don’t really play that many guitar solos on Collapse, though, as they can definitely add something else to some of the tracks that kind of drift out a bit. The solo on “Stars and Constellations” in particular is perfectly executed to take the song above what preceded it. Then, of course, there’s the 8 minute closing track “Distant Call of Innocence”. It feels like something of a common trend in modern melodeath for albums to close out with an epic 7+ minute track, and Babylonfall are not one to buck that trend on Collapse. As is par for the course in situations like this, the band really lets loose on the closer, with a brooding intro, gradual increase in intensity, Solanterä screaming his lungs out and a barrage of epic riffs. Sure it’s been done many times before, but it doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.
The biggest issue that lies with Collapse is one that’s entirely subjective, and that’s whether or not an album consisting only of mid-paced melodeath is right for you. For some listeners it’s definitely an issue that it can sort of fade into the background towards the middle of the album as the lack of dynamic shifts and changes in pace make everything sort of blend in together, but if you’re prepared to put the effort in there really isn’t anything wrong with the songs and each of them stand on their own merit (the metalcore-esque “Wrath” being the closest to a weak link), although there are obviously some highlights such as “Blood Will Be My Crown”.
Overall, you have a good debut from a group of people who have been in the game long enough to know what they’re doing. Babylonfall have all the groundwork laid down now, and have a solid foundation to build on. They could do with a bit more urgency and variety in terms of pace, but Collapse is more than worth a spin for those willing to give it the time and attention it deserves.
Babylonfall's debut album Collapse is out now via Inverse Records. Stream and purchase the album below.
“Murder of Crows”, the opening track on Collapse, is definitely a nod to the Gothenburg scene, albeit with plenty of modern influences. The guitars are thick and chunky, delivering big riffs, heavy grooves and a nice steady pace – a point of interest for Collapse is that Babylonfall seem content to maintain a mid-tempo approach throughout the album, not really breaking the momentum with any traditional death metal bursts of speed. That’s not to say they there’s no range to what they’re doing. While rooted in melodic death metal, Babylonfall aren’t afraid to mix in some softer rock or alternative metal elements, such as in “Awakening” which utilises frontman Okko Solanterä’s impressive clean vocals in a way somewhat reminiscent of the Russian crew Town Tundra. There’s even a bit of glam rock belting to be heard at times too, which was a bit surprising to say the least.
However, as the album progresses, the guitars of Ossi and Esa Viren start to take centre stage. These two really know how to mix gut-punch grooves and big melodic riffs in a way that gets the most out of Solanterä and his vocal range. It’s kind of a shame that they don’t really play that many guitar solos on Collapse, though, as they can definitely add something else to some of the tracks that kind of drift out a bit. The solo on “Stars and Constellations” in particular is perfectly executed to take the song above what preceded it. Then, of course, there’s the 8 minute closing track “Distant Call of Innocence”. It feels like something of a common trend in modern melodeath for albums to close out with an epic 7+ minute track, and Babylonfall are not one to buck that trend on Collapse. As is par for the course in situations like this, the band really lets loose on the closer, with a brooding intro, gradual increase in intensity, Solanterä screaming his lungs out and a barrage of epic riffs. Sure it’s been done many times before, but it doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.
The biggest issue that lies with Collapse is one that’s entirely subjective, and that’s whether or not an album consisting only of mid-paced melodeath is right for you. For some listeners it’s definitely an issue that it can sort of fade into the background towards the middle of the album as the lack of dynamic shifts and changes in pace make everything sort of blend in together, but if you’re prepared to put the effort in there really isn’t anything wrong with the songs and each of them stand on their own merit (the metalcore-esque “Wrath” being the closest to a weak link), although there are obviously some highlights such as “Blood Will Be My Crown”.
Overall, you have a good debut from a group of people who have been in the game long enough to know what they’re doing. Babylonfall have all the groundwork laid down now, and have a solid foundation to build on. They could do with a bit more urgency and variety in terms of pace, but Collapse is more than worth a spin for those willing to give it the time and attention it deserves.
Babylonfall's debut album Collapse is out now via Inverse Records. Stream and purchase the album below.
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