Firmament – We don’t rise, We just fall

German newcomers Firmament erupt onto the scene with their debut album, “We Don’t Rise, We Just Fall.” This offering is a love letter to the classic sounds of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), brimming with infectious riffs, soaring vocals, and a healthy dose of youthful exuberance. Let’s crank the volume and headbang our way through this debut, track by track, and see if Firmament takes flight or suffers a glorious fall.

A Raucous Ride Through Classic Metal Tropes:

• Return: The album explodes with a potent declaration of intent. A classic metal riff reminiscent of Judas Priest lays the foundation, while Marc Strugalla’s vocals soar with a youthful urgency. The lyrics grapple with the impermanence of life, setting a melancholic tone beneath the energetic music.
• The Flood: A shift in atmosphere emerges here. Down-tuned guitars and a driving double-bass drum assault create a sense of impending doom. Strugalla’s vocals take on a more aggressive snarl, perfectly capturing the song’s ominous mood. The lyrics delve into the destructive power of nature, a metaphor for the inevitable decline of all things.
• Punchline: This track throws in a shot of adrenaline. A fast tempo, a galloping rhythm section, and a sharp, biting riff create a sense of urgency and rebellion. Strugalla’s vocals take on a more punk-inspired sneer, perfectly delivering the song’s scathing social commentary.
• The Betrayer: A return to a more traditional heavy metal sound. This track is a mid-paced headbanger, featuring soaring guitar leads and a powerful chorus. Strugalla’s vocals are a potent mix of aggression and despair, perfectly capturing the emotional weight of betrayal. The lyrics explore a relatable theme of trust shattered, adding depth to the album’s exploration of impermanence.
• Speed Machine: Firmament unleashes their inner speed demons here. This track is a pure adrenaline rush, featuring breakneck tempos, double bass drumming, and a scorching guitar solo. The lyrics are a celebration of the thrill of the ride, a temporary escape from the contemplation of mortality explored elsewhere on the album.
• We Fight Together: A return to a more mid-paced approach. This track features a strong emphasis on melody, with a soaring chorus that will get stuck in your head. Strugalla’s vocals take on a more anthemic quality, urging listeners to find solace in unity even in the face of mortality. The lyrics offer a message of hope and perseverance amidst the album’s darker themes.
• Decadence Dance: Another fast-paced track emerges here. This one features a prominent double bass drum and a galloping riff that will get your heart racing. Strugalla’s vocals are a scathing indictment of societal decline, delivered with raw aggression. The lyrics paint a picture of a decaying world, another reminder of the impermanence of all things.
• The Battle Understood: A surprising twist emerges here. A heavy riff reminiscent of Grave Digger lays the foundation, while Strugalla’s vocals take on a more epic quality. The lyrics depict a warrior preparing for battle, a metaphor for the fight against one’s own mortality. This track throws in a touch of unexpected heroism amidst the album’s melancholic themes.
• Metal Machine: The album closes with a self-referential celebration. This track is a love letter to heavy metal, featuring a pounding rhythm section, soaring guitar solos, and a powerful vocal performance. The lyrics express the enduring power of metal music, a defiant statement against the fleeting nature of existence.

Verdict: 4 out of 5

“We Don’t Rise, We Just Fall” is a triumph for Firmament. The album showcases their dedication to the classic sounds of NWOBHM, delivering a potent blend of catchy riffs, soaring vocals, and energetic drumming. The songwriting is strong, with each track contributing to the overall thematic exploration of mortality and impermanence. The musicianship is tight, with Strugalla proving himself a capable vocalist and frontman. The production is clear and powerful, allowing each instrument to shine through.

A minor caveat: Listeners seeking a more original or innovative sound might find Firmament a bit derivative. The album wears its influences proudly, occasionally bordering on pastiche.

However, for fans of classic heavy metal and those yearning for a shot of youthful exuberance, “We Don’t Rise, We Just Fall” is a must-listen. Firmament delivers a nostalgic and thoroughly enjoyable debut, proving that sometimes the best way to move forward is to celebrate the glories of the past.