Falling In Reverse has been a very exciting band in the past few years, both for their amazing genre-bending modern metal style and the undeniable hype surrounding the band. I've been hooked on their new sound ever since Drugs, and despite not knowing most of their older material, I consider myself quite a big fan of what they're doing. Watch The World Burn is their latest offering in their recent string of banger single-song releases, stepping up their game in a new way.
Watching The World Burn sees Falling In Reverse switching up their formula, with a unique song structure and a culmination of their most recent sounds. Dropping the pop-like chorus in favour of a rap-heavy first half of the song, with sonic choices reminiscent of Eminem and NF, we get to hear Ronnie reach new speeds of verbal delivery and a flavourful platter of lyrical flows.
As the song goes on, more of the band gets introduced alongside more of their familiar electronic work. The drums and guitars coming in only in the back half is an interesting choice, definitely one that will rile up the metal purists, but does make it feel even more impactful. One thing I really enjoy is how dramatic it all feels, making use of orchestral elements and choral effects, it also reminds me a little tiny bit of Ice Nine Kills' theatrics.
The metalcore part of the song, which is arguably mostly just about the breakdown, is fun. I can't disagree that it feels a little bit out of nowhere, but this is Falling In Reverse we are talking about, it's fun and enjoyable and they know how to make it sound good. I love the dark arpeggio leads building up to the breakdown, and the vocal harmony right before the drop is tasteful. The breakdown riff is simple, I'll admit, but the bends are fun, what is there to complain about?
The way they ended the song is cool as well, they continued to sustain the intensity of the breakdown but with an even more epic feel, while Ronnie goes full on evil with crazy lows. From start to finish, the song never loses energy, and it makes for an exhilarating musical experience. Not to mention the genre-fusion, subverting expectations left and right and constantly throwing curveballs.
Seeing Falling In Reverse back in action in 2023 makes me happy. I was a bit disappointed when they announced a supposed Neon Zombie EP for last year but still have yet to release it, considering how cool ZOMBIFIED and Voices In My Head were, but maybe this release will renew my hope for an upcoming Falling In Reverse record. Despite the new singles-only meta, one can hope.
Rating: 3.5/5