Ashes Fallen are a band that have been releasing music, in the goth rock/post-punk style since 2019, and September brings us the offering of a new album, Walk Through Fire, recorded at The Chapel 1898. Members are James Perry (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard, drums), Michelle Perry (keyboard, vocals, percussion) and Jason Shaw (guitar). If the name James Perry seems familiar, then you would be correct as he is also a member of industrial rock group Deathline International.
Your pointy buckle boots are going to be knocked off just from the opening track. “Damn Me” is steeped in guitar fuelled angst, while the chorus of “The Last Mistake” is punchy with a punk vibe, though shrouded in gothic peeling synths. Southern gothic is alive and kicking with “Reborn In The Cleansing Fire,” as you are immersed in the Fields OF The Nephilim like drawling guitar and ride across the high plains of self destruction.
“Remember Who You Are” is a really glorious track in my humble opinion, between chiming synths, clean guitar, and the soaring vocals in the chorus, just make this so dynamic and anthemic. The idea that everything is far too busy busy oozes from the “New Normal” as the majority in the lower socio-economic strata struggle with less money and higher expenses.
Social media has made a mockery of what is normal in many ways, and this is reflected in “Anxiety Society” and the recognition 6 representations. A festering wound will become a “Scar” and though there is a lament within this track, there is still a whisper of hope and there is a hint of Killing Joke’s “Love Like Blood” in the guitar work.
Even in the face of doom, real love is often all we have to hold onto and “At The End Of All Things” is an ode to this love without condition in the face of insurmountable odds, bleak and yet heart touching. The last track is another brilliant number in the vampiric vein, “The Blood Is The Life,” as the delicious synths and evocative vocals drench you in dark delights of the creatures of the night.
This is an album with a lot of commentary on modern living and is politically charged, which for me is great to hear because music can often express ideas and emotions far better than other conduits. The rage in “Remember Who You Are” is palpable, as the band observes the erosion of basic human rights….even autonomy over our own bodies. Ashes Fallen are definitely nailing the post-punk ideal of music that matters, and with each release, they just keep getting better, so please check out Walk Through Fire.
Onyx Music Reviews 