In these days, more and more bands are trying to bring back to life old musical genres. And it's not only from the 60's, 70's or 80's, and it's not an exclusive phenomenon on Metal. There's a broader range of musical genres that are being reborn with a new outfit (and unfortunately, there are those that are only copying what was already done in the past), and the German quartet RAVENFIELD is one of these bands, as "Faith and Fall" is here to show.

Their music is labeled as Melancholic Metal or Dark Rock. To explain their music in the most simple and honest way: it's like fusing old and good influences from melodic Rock from the 80's and 90's with some aggressive elements from post Grunge Rock bands (maybe it could be some influences of SOUNDGARDEN and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS) and from SENTENCED from "Down" on. So the music is heavy and melodic, but accessible and always bearing a melancholic and sad feeling. The sound quality of "Faith and Fall" is very good, clean and allowing the listeners to understand what the quartet is playing. But it sounds with a very good dose of distortion and energy, from where the Rock/Metal side of the band becomes evident. And the set of instrumental tunes were chosen wisely.

The album bears 12 very good songs, but the weaving melodies of "Self Destruction" (very good vocals, indeed), the melancholic ambiance of "Second Skin" (the contrasts between distorted moment and clean parts are always a good feature when the band has talent), the dark impact of the guitars riffs on "Alone", the long and bitter "The Sick One" (on this one, due the aggressive insight, has some influences from "Metallica" in some moments, especially on the vocals), the Bluesy subjective influence heard on "Burning Tree" (a solid and simple work from bass guitar and drums increases the weight of the song), and the aggressive weight heard on "Darkest Sun" are the best ones for a first visit on "Faith and Fall".

RAVENFIELD is really a very good band, and with "Faith and Fall". And in the future, they'll really grow to the next level, because they have a great musical talent to be explored on future releases.