THE BEAST

Fallen Keys - Pseudomerica - Reviewed By metal-integral ! Check it out here at this link: http://www.metal-integral.com/fr/chroniques/8572/fallen-keys/chronique-pseudomerica.html

Well, here is a one-man-band that stands out! Musically FALLEN KEYS is a spicy and very contemporary mix of thrash, heavy metal and groove metal...
After a first EP produced in 2019 ( Instauration ), here is the group back in mid-2022 with a three-quarter-hour opus very interesting: Pseudomerica . Warning: although resolutely metal, this product may contain traces of peanuts and funk (on Anti-social Media , for example).

The mix is ​​clear and dynamic. The thrashy riffs are incisive as I like them, for example on Persuasive Delirium . The guitar parts are skilful with some downright well felt and very technical interventions (cf.Rawhide ). The singing is relentless, in a register ranging from clear aggressiveness to the most guttural. The programming of the bass drums section does not sound too artificial, and a whole small world comes to do choirs and narrations to give life to the whole. The form is therefore pleasant and varied.

The true originality and the undeniable force of this album rests on the resonance of its concept with its construction. I explain: the gentleman behind the project has a very critical view of society, a sharp eye, and sometimes a slightly misanthropic spirit. Welcome to America! He denounces idiocracy, the manipulation of the masses, the omnipresence of lies, humanist regressions, inequalities, stupid consumerism, alienating technologies... We are indeed facing a thematic album. To highlight his ideas, the album consists of 8 songs interspersed with advertising flashes (sponsored content), extracts from speeches and ambient interludes. Pseudomericacan be listened to like watching a good action film with its scenes of violence and a touch of caustic or absurd humour. In this regard, the mini-philosophical debate of Post Engagement made me laugh a lot.

Just a little criticism. It's very personal, but I still have trouble with the kind of fucking refrains that frequently pollute the compositions of modern metal. I find here two or three that are not my cup of tea. Luckily not all titles are infected and I make it out alive.

Pseudomerica is a very particular album which deserves to be discovered. In addition, you have the choice between this version or an instrumental version which is less funny but highlights the really well-constructed compositions. - metal-integral

Release Date: 20 May 2022

FFO: Dream Theater, Pantera, Lamb of God

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Fallen Keys is a one-man progressive metal project from Philadelphia fusing classic heavy metal, thrash, grunge, groove metal, and early 2000s metalcore.

Following the release of Instauration, an intense and introspective EP of thrash instrumentals, one-man metal project Fallen Keys is ready to let his voice be heard on his debut album, Pseudomerica.

Independently written, produced, recorded and released, Pseudomerica is a heavy metal tour de farce shepherding the listener through the absurd technology-induced fever dream of the United States in the age of social media - a culture of consumerism, narcissism and, increasingly, nihilism. Lyrically, the album explores themes of mass hysteria, declining trust in institutions, weaponized tribalism, social-engineering vis-a-vis social media, and the concentration of power in the hands of fewer and fewer mega-corporations (the album even pauses for an advertisement from one such company).

Musically, each track features a unique blend of influences, textures and metal sub-genres blended together with non-traditional arrangements, tempo and time-signature changes. Between the bluesy fury of Persuasive Delirium, the lumbering groove of Rawhide, the samba-infused breakdown of The Eliminationists, and the relentless thrash of For a Muse of Fire, fans of heavy music will all find something to love on this surreal reflection of surreal times.

Pseudomerica is available to listen to on all the major streaming platforms, where you can also find an Instrumental version of the album with an alternate cover.

Support them on Bandcamp!

Follow the artist at these links:

For more information, promo requests, or to arrange an interview, please contact the artist directly at fallenkeys@gmail.com.

https://www.fallenkeys.com

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1QiMjrIjB3Vne9pCfhbJgH

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/fallen-keys/1414130367

https://fallenkeys.bandcamp.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@fallenkeys9514

Dmitriy Churilov