Portuguese alt metal band In We Fall recently released their debut album Inner Self for our listening pleasure. Refusing to be shoehorned into any niches, on first listen Inner Self is highly distinctive and as you listen more, you can hear not just the overarching and unique alt metal sound, but also more than a liberal helping of grunge, prog and I would say even a little blues. Coming together, this I think helps In We Fall produce a musically interesting and distinctive sound that is well worth exploring.
In We Fall was formed in 2022 with their first three singles being released in 2023 – all of which can be heard on Inner Self. The band is composed of guitarist and vocalist Daniel Moreira, guitarist Carlos Carneiro, drummer Frederico Lopes, and bassist Luis Almeida. Moreira has also produced, as well as recorded, mixed and mastered Inner Self at EvoluiSom Studios, ensuring that In We Fall has maintained full control over the album.
Just a quick look at the ten track listing gives you an idea of how introspective this album feels and the opening track Road to Li(v)e is not only a great introduction to In We Fall, but also showcases the distinctive sound of the band. In this and subsequent tracks, the hooks really come through in the music with some strong guitar lines that are well backed up with the bass and drums, and even on occasions, the drums take centre stage to drive the tracks. You can watch the official video for Road to Li(v)e here:
For me, the third track, Looking Inside really encapsulates the introspective nature of Inner Self and moving on to the gentle opening of Whole Inside, this soon shifts to something far heavier; showing that In We Fall are just as comfortable with the heavier riffs. For me, the grungy Hope Is Gone is a very poignant track that has come together beautifully, and Silent War with its strong bridge is a moving reflection on conflict. This was also the first single that the band released. The opening bluesy notes continue across Half Human, which combined with Moreira’s good vocals gives a superb blues rock/hard rock track that would sit comfortably on any album within those genres. The penultimate Winter Shades is another riff driven track and the final and philosophical track, Empty Hand wraps up the album with once more; some excellent riff and drum lines.
The well considered, thought provoking and at times personally challenging lyrics combined with gentle musical openers gives a well-rounded listening experience. Hopefully In We Fall do have some new music on the horizon as looking ahead, I think they are already starting to earn a well-deserved place on the scene.
“…. In We Fall produce a musically interesting and distinctive sound that is well worth exploring.”
You can find out more about In We Fall on their Facebook; Youtube channel, Instagram and X. You can listen to them on all the usual platforms including Spotify.
Tracks
- Road to Li(v)e
- (A)void
- Looking Inside
- Whole Again
- Hope Is Gone
- Silent War
- Half Human
- What Now?
- Winter Shades
- Empty Hand
Special thanks to Eclipse Records.
