Review Summary: A trend set in stone.
The subject of audiophile flame-wars ever since it's release, Fallujah's second effort, 'The Flesh Prevails' has been the center of controversy on many blogs and forums across the net. For those of you not in the loop, this album has been flamed left, right, and center for it's 3-point, dynamic range. Can this have an effect on the overall music experience? Yes. Is it still a terrific album? Oh yes.
The album opens with a punch. Fallujah have really crafted a unique sound with The Flesh Prevails, and it will be immediately apparent. Blast beats combined with ferocious riffing may sound like your standard, death metal affair, but combined with crooning leads, it truly is an atmospheric experience that isn't found on many other death metal albums. Ever single song on this album has been written with a great deal of attention to detail and it is impossible to pick a few that clearly standout. If you are interested in music at all, you will appreciate this album. There is however, a lot to digest. The combination of synths, reverb-laden leads and true brutality from the rhythm section may come as a confusing, sensory overload at first. And that is the point.
Before I head too far into the negative aspects of the album, if there is one highlight to this album, it is Andrew Braid. This man navigates a kit near-effortlessly. Never over-playing a song, yet always adding unique and smart fills that are different every bar, it truly is a feat to behold. Which leads me to a main gripe with the overall experience of this album, one that you may have been expecting this entire review. Without a doubt, this album is very loud. There will be points when listening to this album as the bassist is working his fingers off, the guitarists are shredding, the singer is a-singing and the drummer is pounding away that you will hear peaking. Not fun. Avoid pre-amps of any sorts if post-EQ is a hobby of yours. The album is easily loud enough on it's own.
The Flesh Prevails was a massive surprise. Having not heard Fallujah's prior work before listening to this, I was taken aback at the originality of the album. Every song distinguishes itself from the last and from, well, anything else out there. The mix is well balanced, even through the immense loudness of the audio. Although the constant brick-walling and occasional peaking can be a pain in the neck, this album truly is a blast when kicked out of a good speaker system. And we all know the saying; all publicity is good publicity. This particular band has set themselves straight for a brilliant future if they can replicate this sound further down the line. And maybe turn down the volume a little.
