Falling In Reverse

Popular Monster

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Genre: Alternative Metal.
Released: 16/08/2024
Via Epitaph

Album Review: Falling In Reverse – Popular Monster

Love them or hate them, Falling In Reverse is one of the most talked-about bands in the metal scene today. With the release of their highly anticipated album ‘Popular Monster’, fans are rejoicing over the new music. But how does the album hold up as a whole? Well, here’s what we thought!

The album opens with ‘Prequel,’ which sets the tone for what’s to come. This cleverly constructed track includes witty wordplay, such as the line “you could say I Escaped My Fate”, a nod to Ronnie’s past with Escape The Fate. The orchestral elements provide a striking contrast to the hard-hitting instrumentals, hooking you right from the start. The title track, ‘Popular Monster’, follows. This song, originally released in 2019, has already become one of the band’s biggest anthems. The beautifully balanced chorus, combined with sudden bursts of aggression and heaviness, makes it a winning formula.

A major shift occurs with ‘All My Life’, which introduces a country-rock feel into the band’s catchy structure. Guest vocals from Jelly Roll add a smooth, authentic touch to this western-sounding track. Just in case you forget the name of the band’s prolific frontman, the next song, ‘Ronald’, serves as a reminder. It’s a non-stop metal assault that begs for repeated listens. Alex Terrible from Slaughter to Prevail adds an edge to the heavier sections, while Tech N9ne once again proves why so many metal bands seek out his rap skills. Prepare for some serious headbanging with this one!

The album then slows down a bit with ‘Voices In My Head’, a more straightforward track that doesn’t throw many surprises into the mix. It’s a typical Falling In Reverse song with a standout breakdown that elevates the track. The hardest song for me to review is ‘Bad Guy’, as it’s unclear whether it’s satirical or not. It might set a record for the most mentions of “I’m the Bad Guy”, but its simplicity is extremely catchy. It also features Saraya’s (Ronnie’s partner) first-ever credited vocal feature. If you’re into breakdowns, ‘Watch The World Burn’ might have the best one on the entire album. Plus, the song leans heavily on Ronnie’s rap abilities, showcasing some of his best work in that area.

‘Trigger Warning’ delivers a direct message about the current state of online culture and controversy. By calling out hypocrisy and questioning the limits of free speech, this song is bound to spark conversations. Ronnie knows well that controversy sells. This leads perfectly into ‘Zombified’, another track addressing cancel culture. Strong both instrumentally and lyrically, this song portrays the online masses as a horde of zombies who won’t rest until you’re “Zombified”.

As the album draws to a close, ‘No Fear’ doubles down on the themes explored in previous tracks. This one feels more personal, as if it’s coming straight from Ronnie’s mind rather than using creative imagery. It sounds like a direct call-out to the “haters”, the scene, and anyone who’s ever crossed him. It’s an interesting listen, and musically, it’s very enjoyable. The album concludes with a reimagining of Papa Roach’s ‘Last Resort’. This version opts for a more orchestral approach rather than the angst-filled nu-metal sound you might be familiar with. It’s a well-crafted reimagining that ties the album together perfectly.

This album is going to get people talking, whether they agree with the band’s message or not. However, it’s arguably the band’s strongest album to date. Each track hits hard and leaves you feeling satisfied. After such a long wait, Falling In Reverse may have returned with the Album of the Year.