Falling Empires – Keelhaul
Echo Scale™: 4.5/5 (★★★★½)
Post-Hardcore Power with a Melodic Punch
If Linkin Park and 30 Seconds to Mars had a furious, emotionally honest offspring raised on UK underground grit, Falling Empires’ “Keelhaul” would be it. The band tear through the track with a mix of aggression and atmosphere that feels cinematic in scope, but never overly polished. “Keelhaul” is messy, raw, and visceral—in all the ways that matter.
Big Sound, Bigger Emotions
Guitars come in jagged and relentless, driven by punchy drum work and a vocal delivery that pulls no punches. The verses simmer with barely-contained tension, before erupting into choruses that soar without ever losing their edge. There’s a push and pull at play here—melody fighting chaos, and both sides win.
It’s easy to hear the influences: early 2000s alt-rock drama, the grand emotional gestures of Jared Leto, the unapologetic intensity of Chester Bennington. But Falling Empires make it their own, delivering something that’s less homage and more declaration.
Lyrics That Don’t Hold Back
“Keelhaul” leans into themes of emotional turmoil and internal punishment. It’s not trying to hide behind metaphor. The words hit hard, offering a sense of drowning, dragging, and breaking free. It’s the sound of someone gasping for air while refusing to stay silent.
One standout moment:
“I begged the tide to take me, but I still held my breath.”
That line alone tells you everything you need to know about the emotional weight of this track.
A Personal Note: When Enough Becomes Too Much
As much as the energy works, the extended loud vocals toward the end feel just a bit overdone.
“The extended loud vocals at the end felt excessive to me. Had they pulled back sooner, it might’ve added more tension and closure to the song’s ending.”
Still, the impact of the song is undeniable. It’s the kind of track that doesn’t just get played—it gets felt. It hit hard enough that it landed squarely on my personal playlist.
Production: Rough in the Right Places
This is not a plastic rock track. The production is rough-edged, honest, and dynamic. You can hear the sweat in the mix. Vocals are front and centre, and the instruments surround them like a swarm—tight, layered, and loud, without losing clarity.
For Fans Of:
- Linkin Park
- 30 Seconds to Mars
- Thrice
- Bring Me The Horizon (Sempiternal)
- Biffy Clyro (Puzzle)
Final Thoughts: One to Feel, Not Just Hear
“Keelhaul” is a post-hardcore anthem for anyone who feels too much and says too little. It’s loud, yes—but it’s also vulnerable, thoughtful, and crafted with care. It goes hard, maybe too hard at the end—but it earns the right to.
Falling Empires are clearly not interested in playing it safe, and that alone makes them worth your time.
Echo Scale™: 4.5/5 (★★★★½)
Reviewed by Doug.
