FALL OF THE LEAFE Aerolithe

FALL OF THE LEAFE
Aerolithe
Firebox Records
7.5/10




Having discovered the last release from Fall Of The Leafe to be rather entertaining, “Aerolithe” was looked toward with great anticipation. This latest recording finds Fall Of The Leafe to have shed any indication of its once extreme metal past, now clinging to a sound that’s a melding of Rush-type progressive rock and gothic metal of the sort that Finland breeds like crazy. “All The Good Faith” is a stark example of the band’s progressive rock focus, an up-tempo number that resides in stark contrast to the depressive doom metal that’s been the hallmark of Firebox Records for years now.

Exhibiting an urgent rock edge that brings Daysend to mind, “Drawing Worry” embraces both melody and might, incorporating intensity when appropriate and keeping the listener on their toes with plenty of shifts in direction. As the band’s singer, Tuomas Tuominen has a tremendously distinct vocal personality. His baritone crooning matches up fully with his more forceful voice, with the latter tastefully used only when need be for dramatic effect.

A wholly enjoyable outing, “Aerolithe” makes up for its accessibility with enough strong musicianship and inventive songwriting to be of major interest to devotees of progressive rock music.


Written By: Glum Luminous