Fallen Arise – Enigma

FALLEN ARISE
Enigma
ROAR – Rock of Angels
April 17^th, 2020
46:41

Fallen Arise was founded in Athens (Greece) in 2009. In 2011 the first EP “Eternal” was released. The debut album “Ethereal” followed two years later. The Greeks then followed this two-year rhythm with their successor, the concept album “Adeline”. Although the cast carousel then turned, the band went on tour with their album. I have seen Fallen Arise live twice, in Hamburg and at the Voices of the Succubi Festival in Malta. Both times with the current singer Fiona Creaby (Apparition). In 2017 I was able to interview the singer together with band founder Gus. Five years have passed since Adeline. Now the long-awaited successor appeared with “Enigma”. With this album Fallen Arise break new ground in music. The sound should sound modern. But the symphonic metal roots should still be audible.

Typical of the genre, the album starts with an orchestral intro (“In Adentu Deorum”). I always ask myself; does it need that? Especially where later the symphonic part is reduced somewhat compared to the predecessor. At Enigma you can hear a clear pop list. Fiona’s voice fits perfectly. The Vlassis growls then bring a harder contrast to the song. Afterwards, “Reborn” sounds a little more heavy. But beautiful melodies and choruses to sing along also dominate here. The interplay between clear soprano and growls is omnipresent. Male Clear Vocals? Nothing! The wonderful power ballad “Forsaken” provides variety. I especially like the change between piano passages and the hard melodic riffs. With “Embers” the band rocks again cheerfully. In addition to the growls, the powerful drums in particular ensure an increase in the degree of heavyness. “Released” begins with a piano intro before pop influences can be heard again. With “Forever Winter” you can even hear a metal anthem. Everything that makes up Symphonic Metal is brought up again. Great melodies, orchestral epic, elven-like singing. The second ballad “Horizon” begins with the sound of the sea. Acoustic guitars and subtle strings later accompany the enchanting voice of Fiona. Here you can probably hear the best vocal performance. In addition to “Forever Winter” this is the highlight of the album for me. The album then ends with the rock cracker “The Storm Inside”.

In the stock market this would be described as a sideways development. Album number three is not bad. But from my point of view it doesn’t advance the band. The cause could be the many changes in the lineup. Only band founder Gus is still on board, the rest has been replaced since “Adeline”, sometimes several times. The band will have to find a new start in the next few years. Certainly, the album was recorded by very good musicians and powerful produced. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of room for improvement.

Track list

1. In Adentu Deorum
2. Enigma
3. Reborn
4. Forsaken
5. Embers
6. Without Disguise
7. Released
8. Forever Winter
9. Horizon
10. The Storm Inside

Lineup

Fiona Creaby – Vocals
Vlassis Katsaounis. – Vocals
Gus Dibelas – Keyboards
Spyros Vasilakis – Guitar
Jason Ioakeim – Bass
MariosK – Drums

MHF Magazine/Rainer Kerber