Exiting The Fall - Parables

Artist: Exiting The Fall
Album: Parables
Release Date: June 2011
Label: None

I love discovering new bands who show a lot of potential, like many people out there. A few months ago, before trekking to SoulFest, I heard about a new post-hardcore band named Exiting The Fall, and soon after, got to listen to them, and a few weeks later, their recently-released EP, Parables. The seven-song effort is a solid release for the genre of post-hardcore, complete with somewhat technical guitars, heavy breakdowns, and clean vocals that are not high and whiny like so many other bands on the same type.

A short, ambient intro slowly fades in when you press play, with the words "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. Remember the words I spoke to you, no servant is greater than his master. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin, now however, they have no excuse for their sin." Right after, Parables kicks into full gear with the breakdown-laden "Pharisee" and "The Prodigal." The latter of the two ends with a haunting gang vocal section, boldly proclaiming "My God is bigger than this world, I know the truth."

A bit more melody is shown on "Finisher of Faith," which builds strongly on clean vocals, and near melodic-hardcore sections as well. "The Great Lie" follows up much more aggressively, taking on a darker aspect, that fits with the song's title. "Sin. Faith. Duty." shows off lead vocalists Matt Vacaro's vocal range, from his lower growls, to higher screams, which he shows a good deal of professionalism in, and are not some bad attempt at trying to hit different notes. The seventh and closing song, "Eye of The Needle," is the EP's most technical song, that even includes a short guitar solo, and gang vocals which sound more like a choir, with a message of not giving up because of finding hope.

Overall: Exiting The Fall have gotten off on a great start with the release of Parables. A fresh take on post-hardcore, with a technical edge, the seven-song EP shows off some quality musicianship, and lyrics of hope, and the realization that God is love. I would be glad to hear a full length from the band, although the songs on Parables do satisfy the listener, and look forward to hearing new material, and some growth from the band. That being said, look for Exiting The Fall to be making waves in the heavy music scene over the next year, and perhaps years to come. Check these guys out if you like technical post-hardcore, I Am Alpha and Omega, and Wolves At The Gate.

Rating: 8/10

Reviewed by Brooks Ginnan

Tracklisting:

1. Intro
2. Pharisee
3. The Prodigal
4. Finisher of Faith
5. The Great Lie
6. Sin. Faith. Duty.
7. Eye of The Needle