Fallstar - "Sunbreather" Album Review

As we continue through this odd year that is 2021 the music industry continues to thrive as the releases that are coming out have been some the best releases the scene has had in quite sometime and Fallstar's thriving comeback record "Sunbreather" is one of those said records. In five years Fallstar really managed to step up their game here as the band's self proclaimed "The best record of all time" the band try to set a high bar for themselves and succeed at it as "Sunbreather" is without a doubt one of the heaviest, well balanced, and eclectic heavy records that have come in some time. And since it's been five years since their last record "Future Golden Age" and two years since the release of their side project Northlander's "Forces Of Light"; how do the band manage to hold their own after five years of inactivity?.

For those who don't know Fallstar for a quick summary they are a metalcore band that just so happens to play around with different genres and sounds to make them sound more unique amongst the sea of heavy bands in the genre and in their wheel house. while their past releases tinkered with elements of melodic-hardcore, post-hardcore, and nu-metal; "Sunbreather" combines all those elements of old with new elements of modern metalcore and other genres as well creating a soundscape of not only walls of heaviness but also catchy pop driven anthems that will instantly get stuck in your head.

"Sunbreather" is a heavy listen to get through as it's topics hit so close to home that it's almost like you put in an emo record of the mid 2000's in instead of a heavy record like this. With topics such as loss, doubt, and self reflection being common themes throughout it almost feels like a companion piece to their side project Northlander's "Forces Of Light" leaning heavily into darker themes. It's commendable that the band tackle themes like this while also making the record feel so hopeful and memorable especially when given the current state of our nation as a whole. It's drive to have listeners think while also headbanging and moshing in their living rooms is what helps the record hit so well like it does.

The record kicks off with a healthy dose of oldschool crab-core with the track 'Chroma' a gangster esque trap-metal and crab-core hybrid that will make you instantly think of the 2000's with bands like Attack Attack!, Abandon All Ships, I See Stars. It's an all out nostalgia trip that is destined to be an anthem for warped tour kids.

'Cloud Chamber' is a fantastic rocking track that fuses into that Northlander sound that they had crafted and excelling that sound throughout the rocking tracks on the record. It's a nice pallet cleanser for the heaviness that awaits you on the record.

'SSRI Feel Better Already' which the first taste of the record is a fantastic track that shows off that oldschool feel that the band had crafted on previous outings. 

'King Lazer' is a heavy moment that will remind fans of acts like Emmure, Attila, Volumes; as this track instantly hits with heavy riffs, aggressive rapping, and a breakdown that will make you want to kick a hole in your wall.

'Waiting' is another great rocking track that hits with an insanely catchy pop driven chorus and a more pop-punk nature to the track. It's a nice shakeup in the track list.

'The Meaning In The Monster' is another great pop-punk esque track that will make you instantly think of acts like The Wedding, Brand New, and even the band's side project Northlander. This track will turn into an instant fan favorite.

'The Prism Glass' is one word and that is heavy. It might be one of the band's heaviest tracks yet. Not to mention that insanely catchy chorus and that earth shattering and neck breaking breakdown.

And 'Darko' closes off this record with a more progressive metal esque track that holds so much emotion in it that was pent up throughout the record and releases it all out. It's an emotional joyride that closes out the record out beautifully and perfectly.

To put it simply Fallstar's comeback record "Sunbreather" is a monster of an album that is jam packed with twists to the metalcore formula and is expanded upon from previous releases. This is a record that you let all of you're energy out too and as soon as shows come back and Fallstar are in your area then you need to go see them asap.

"Sunbreather" is a punishing record that will kick you in the face with a healthy dose of metalcore, nu-metalcore, hard rock, slamming deathcore, and even some pop-punk to shake it up a bit. It's a fantastic record that should please fans that are into more heavier inclined music.

Written by - Samuel C.

Rating: 4.5/5

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