Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Falling in Reverse - Popular Monster (2024)

Falling in Reverse is one of the least liked bands in rock/metal, maybe even the world. All the hate is pointed towards frontman Ronnie Radke. He can be considered, y'know, dangerous, with his multiple arrests for assault (whether physical or sexual) and battery, the mugshot from one of his arrests being used for this album's cover. His first arrest was the most notorious; he was in a fight that resulted in a young man getting shot dead. Although Radke didn't pull the trigger, he was arrested for his involvement in the fight and was sentenced to probation which he violated and subsequently served two and a half years in prison. Around then, he was the lead vocalist for Escape the Fate and was fired from that band. He decided to form his own band while behind bars and write some material to send to a few musicians he was in contact with. It wasn't until Radke was released from prison in late 2010 when the band got together to work on their debut, and the rest is history. CONTROVERSIAL history... Now as I've said before, I'm the kind of person who doesn't put direct association between art and artist. Just because someone is considered a total d*ck doesn't mean their music is automatically dogsh*t. Though exceptions can be made for those known for more serious stuff like murder and Nazism (Burzum's Varg Vikernes would qualify in both categories). Some music you can enjoy without thinking too much about one of the band members and what they've done, but we live in a world where people can easily put you down for something you like, which is what this site is supposed to prevent. With that said, it's time for me to say something that is going to stun a lot of you. So here it goes...

I F***ING LOVE POPULAR MONSTER!!! That's right, I said it! Anyone can hate this album and the band, but personally, I find no reason to give it a thumbs-down, and that's my true opinion. This is the epitome of a modern alt-metal sound blended with metalcore, trap, and other genres. And it's a drastic improvement from their mediocre previous albums that are basically just pop-core. I can witness a lot of talent from Radke and co. with their respective roles. 3 quarters of the album was already pre-released as singles, but they certainly shape it all up, and a good feeling was already made from the millions of streams some of the singles has earned. This proves that no matter how shunned a band can get, they can sweep the globe. A good metaphorical meaning behind the title of this monstrously grand album, Popular Monster.

Starting track "Prequel" introduces you to this dark world with an ominous tribal march, as Ronnie takes on some poetic diary-like rapping that can actually outshine Eminem. As all this is happening, an epic buildup slowly grows, and Ronnie warns the haters to, if they have anything bad to say, let him know directly. Right at the very height, he pulls off some impressive falsetto singing, and the heaviness crashes down on you like a world-destroying missile. His girlfriend Saraya (who guest appears in a song later on in the album) would definitely use that her entrance theme for wrestling tournaments. I understand if anyone wants to skip that track for something more upbeat, but for me, it's a glorious start to this monstrous offering. The title track has definitely deserved topping the charts. That's actually the earliest hint of the album, having been released as a single 5 years prior, and with founding rhythm guitarist Derek Jones before he passed away. RIP... "All My Life" is rather different while not deviating from the album's heavy sound. It's a country metal track featuring country rapper Jelly Roll. Radke seemed quite confident to hop into a different genre, and it paid off quite well. There's great synergy between the vocalists. Now I probably would've hate a song like this if it existed at least a year ago, but my tolerance has greatly grown. Probably because of BOI WHAT's "Rock Bottom" that is a country metal hoedown starring pretty much the entire main cast of Spongebob Squarepants.

"Ronald" is actually the track that made me interested in Falling in Reverse and this album, a massive explosion of deathly metalcore with a rapping verse by Tech N9ne. But the epic climax comes in beyond the two and a half minute mark leading into a brutal breakdown more powerful than anything Lorna Shore has done, for real, growled by Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail. Yeah, I know, that guy is indeed considered terrible for the neo-Nazism he's accused of, and I mentioned that I'm drawing the line on Nazi musicians. Nonetheless, I like a couple tracks with his vocals, such as his "BFG Division" vocal cover. Just don't expect me to listen to a lot of his band. So yeah, on "Ronald", everything is so deathly and melodic all at once! "Voices in My Head" is fast and furious in the guitars and vocals, and the pop rap influences I normally don't want too much of, I approve! Now we head into the new songs with "Bad Guy", with guest vocals by the aforementioned Saraya. Following some rap verses, the song explodes into the usual heaviness in the chorus, and Radke battles against the haters and wears his "bad guy" epithet in pride. Saraya takes over the chorus towards the end. Now that song I like more than the Billie Eilish one! "Watch the World Burn" is another example of rap metal gone epic. The greatness of that song can practically compete with the Trivium one!

"Trigger Warning" is where Ronnie tackles his homeland of America with a blend of metal, rapping, and synths, ala Marilyn Manson. Usually these Manson-esque kinds of tracks irk me, but that one's quite clever, though I know how divisive it might be. "1. Resistance is futile, 2. Comply if you can, 3. Trust in your government, 4. We got blood on our hands. D*mn, this is irrelevant." Next up, "Zombified" is a total anthem of intense energy, standing against the cancel culture Ronnie was suffering in. Love that one! "No Fear" is the best one of the new songs. Again we have some fast Eminem-like rapping and a clean chorus in front of an epic choral background. The heaviness only comes up briefly in the bridge. Still everything's quite excellent! Interesting is the final track, a cover of the Papa Roach hit "Last Resort". Instead of heavy guitars, drums, screams, and rapping, Ronnie sings his heart out in full emotion over strings of despair. Remember Disturbed's piano cover of "The Sound of Silence"? It's like that but more bombastic.

Popular Monster may not be for a lot of music listeners, but it certainly opened my ears to the talent for Falling in Reverse. It's honestly quite a unique release in the metal and hardcore realms. This experimental alt-metal style is something done in different ways by bands like Sleep Token and Bad Omens, yet Falling in Reverse step in with a more diverse mix. If anyone doesn't want anything to do with this album or band, they have their own ways. Just know that one man's sh*t is another man's treasure. One of modern alt-metal gold!

Favorites: "Prequel", "Popular Monster", "Ronald", "Watch the World Burn", "Zombified", "No Fear"