Genre: Metal
Label: Unsigned
Date of Release: 4th October 2024
Line Up:
Matt Black – vocals
Chris Byrne – guitars
Jake Graham – guitars
Joshua Ballantyne – bass
Josh Fahran – drums
Tracklist:
1. Godless,
2. Hate Me
3. Black Hearts
4. Marizion
5. Who Created Me
6. Inside The Fire
7. The Hope That Killed Me
8. Sever the Ties
9. Light
10. Hold On
11. Runaway
12. Pressure
13. When It’s Just Me
Following the release of several recent singles, Fahran have established themselves as one of my favorite bands of recent years. Their exciting brand of music features heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and gutturals in some tracks, and more ballad-style melodic vocals in others. Their variety of songs is sure to appeal to a wide range of rock and metal enthusiasts, making them a likely staple on many a fan’s playlist.
This album is the third release by the band, following Chasing Hours (2014) and Vapours (2019), both of which were self-produced. The Nottingham-based quintet have been active since 2012 and have graced many high-profile festivals, including Download, Bloodstock, and Hard Rock Hell. They’ve also shared the stage with bands like Young Guns, UFO, Black Peaks, and many more.
“Hate me,” “Godless,” “Sever the Ties,” and most recently “Who Created Me” have been released as singles with accompanying music videos (available on YouTube).
Musically, the group clearly have eclectic tastes that influence their writing, which is evident in the various stylisations in the different tracks on this album. The varied tempo, use of multiple guitar techniques, and different rhythms from the backline help add interest and a unique quality to the collection of songs.
The album kicks off with “Godless,” a monstrous anthem that opens with huge energy, heavy vocals, and strong guitar riffs. The catchy chorus will draw in listeners and have them singing along, something that is repeated throughout multiple tracks on the album.
The second track, “Hate me,” has a raw, emotional feel. When asked about the meaning behind the song, Chris Byrne explains, “The song is about rejecting modern relationships and dating, but questioning whether it’s out of principle or fear of connecting with people. It’s about sitting alone, not connecting with anyone, and ending up not liking yourself because of it. Hence, the main hook of the song is ‘Hate Me like you mean it,’ as if you’re saying it to yourself.”
The contrast in the record gives it a varied feel. I’ve been a fan of vocals that can meander from gutturals to melodic choruses ever since first encountering Corey Taylor, and this album provides that. Tracks such as “Black Hearts” are prime examples of this contrast, reminding me of “Where’s Billy,” one of my favorite bands of all time. The guttural introduction is a far cry from the soft and raw emotional vocals on the album’s final track, “When it’s just me.”
The intro to “Marizion” has a nu metal feel to it and wouldn’t be out of place at the start of a Linkin Park track.
How this group remains unsigned is a mystery to me as they have all the makings of a top band. They are planning to go out on tour next year, and I would encourage all readers to attend their nearest event. I’m watching this space in anticipation and look forward to seeing them live.
Score: 8/10
Reviewed by: Dave Martin
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