Fans of York-bred rockers, The Family Ruin (formerly known as The Fallen) have been waiting a long time for this album. Recently signed to KBB Records and currently about to head off on a tour of the USA with Asking Alexandria, it seems as though the band are hungry to get out on the road and destroy their American shows with as much energy and enthusiasm as possible. I saw them back in the summer and they kicked some metal ass, so I was quite keen to grab a listen to their debut.
Dearly Departed is a full-on alt-metal fest, 14 tracks of bruising rock that sounds very current for 2014. Perfectly chosen opening track, ‘Bring Out Your Dead’ is a stomping tune, full of big riffs and vocals, although I did have to check whether I had actually put the right record on – there is, in my humble opinion, more than a striking similarity to pretty bad-boy rockers, Glamour Of The Kill on this track.
I had high hopes for third track, ‘Cirque De Sin’ – who wouldn’t with a name like that?! It didn’t disappoint, from the minute the speed riffs kick in, along with Johnny’s huge vocals, it just makes you want to get up and destroy stuff, although it seemed a little short, but maybe that’s just because I was jumping around whilst it was on ….
‘Let’s Go’ (which hit number one on the Sirius XM Octane chart within three weeks of release) is easily one of the stand-out tracks of the album for me. It has everything, great vocals, awesome guitars and a chorus that will stick in your brain long after you’ve finished listening to it. I like the lyrics, I just like everything about it and you won’t be able to keep still whilst you’re listening to it.
Other stand out tracks include ‘Battle For The Sun’ – another epic track with lots of screaming vocals and huge guitar riffs, the absolutely beautiful ‘Haunting’, which is pared right back, heavy on the piano and really showcasing the vocals and also the awesome ‘Filth’. Not sure what I can say about that one, other than I can see it being a massive hit in the clubs. A memorable hook, massive vocals, dirty lyrics … it’s just a huge track and probably my favourite. ‘Let It Burn’ is also immense and will probably become an anthem for TFR.
Also, after listening to ‘Wake Up’ several times in a row, wracking my brain to think who it reminded me of, I realised that the riffs are a little bit Black Veil Brides. Obviously it’s a unique song, but yep, there’s definitely a bit of Brides’ influence in there! Have a listen and see what you think!
Last track ‘Sonder’ has overtones of Bring Me The Horizon at the opening and it’s a great song; melodic, thoughtful and absolutely the perfect end to a an absolute belter of a debut album, which you can purchase from iTunes. Do it – this is one that you definitely need in your collection!
www.facebook.com/TheFamilyRuin
I interviewed the guys back in June this year – check out the link if you fancy a read –
BAND:
Johnny Mennell – Vocals
Craig Robinson – Guitar and Vocals
James Langley – Guitar
Dom White – Drums
Josh Adamson – Bass
TRACK LISTING:
Bring Out Your Dead
Leech
Cirque De Sin
Let’s Go
Us Against The World
Battle For The sun
Haunting
Wake Up
Filth
Broken Hands
Let It Burn
My Addiction
Where We Fall
Sonder
Vikkie Richmond is The Queen of Rock 