Review Summary: Fallen Letters reaffirm their status as leading figures in the Indian underground metal scene with their latest EP, blending gothic rock influences and balancing harsh and clean vocals to create a compelling and unique sound.
Fallen Letters have cemented their position as one of the Indian metal heroes, prime movers in the wider landscape, and gothic-alternative subgenre in particular. After releasing a couple of impressive slabs that positioned the duo as the major players of Bangalore rock scene, the act returns with a massive EP, Forlorn Pages.
Creating its lore, the band uses the beginning of Prologue to draw bridges with the earlier material – the melody buried within the keyboard part will sound familiar to anyone who heard the band’s previous releases.
Instantly the listener is subdued with Type O Negative’s brand of gothic rock plus more gentle singing vocals, but do not the lovely voice fool you – the roaring beast is soon to be delivered, making it a signature move for the band, the balance between the harsh and ephemeral clean vocals.
Remain a Memory IMO showcases the talent of the Indian duo capable of not only creating emotive passages but also undeniable earworms. The chorus is reminiscent of John Murphy’s melodicism, accompanied by wicked shrieks and bursting flammable soloing. The guitar work here is outstanding.
Relapse and Our Own Demise represent the more alternative side of the collective, making way for the seven-minute epic – Beneath The Opaque Veil. Presented before as a single, it delivers an intense melancholic doom-buster, a perfect closer, crowning the band's current style.
To sum it up, Fallen Letters remains among the most interesting Indian bands, solidifying their unique style and fresh approach.
