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But I can give the all-clear. There isn't really much unique here, but "Portrait of the Fallen" has other strengths. For example, I consistently enjoy the riffs on this record. I mean, I've heard everything in a similar form from other bands, but if someone has thoroughly studied their Randy Rhoads, that's not a bad thing. This is called Melodic Death Metal, well, fine by me. I find it contains elements from various subgenres, which makes the music quite varied in my opinion. Everything is played cleanly and mixed clearly, so the nuances of the instruments come through well. Beautifully dramatic guitar solos, just as it should be, with solid double bass underneath, the basic tempo is more carried than thrashed. Only the vocals don't appeal to me. Growling is a bit of a matter of taste anyway, but in my opinion, it fits better with more brutal forms of metal. And if it’s done, it should overpower everything, not, as here, half-heartedly wedged between the harmonies of the instruments. However, when the singer sings, it sounds more odd than captivating, as in the folk-influenced "The Man Behind." Too bad, but I can overlook that.
Among other things, because the band has another surprise in store: Good lyrics. It's worth having the CD along with the booklet and not just an mp3 download. While many bands limit themselves to cobbling together interchangeable evil clichés that fit the music (which can also be completely sufficient), this one deals with war and resulting traumas, drug addiction, turbo-capitalism in China(!), and soul anguish. It feels personal and not just like it was copied from SLAYER. There is also some evil stuff, but seriously, that's already half the fun. Interestingly, the attitude towards religion: While I briefly suspected that I was dealing with a Christian metal band due to the message of one song (it's about being "chosen by God's mighty will"), another follows that classically renounces idols of all kinds in a satanic manner. Probably, one doesn't have to take all of this with holy seriousness; I just found it interesting. Since the folks in the booklet really look grim, I suspect they have indeed succumbed to the dark side.
Anyone who enjoys this kind of music will find joy in "Portrait of the Fallen." Not a revelation, overall well done - but I think there is still more potential here.
