Less Than Living - When Kingdoms Fall - Song Review - Modern Melodic Metal from the USA
Today I am writing about a modern melodic metal project; Less Than Living, from the USA, with; When Kingdoms Fall, their debut single released in 2022.
Less Than Living - When Kingdoms Fall (Official Audio)
Although When Kingdoms Fall is objectively a good-sounding metal song with familiar influences in its musical foundation and sound design, I've found myself unconsciously being judgemental at different times, with different listenings. I kept on thinking about the reason why while giving my full focus to it today. And my conclusion is that When Kingdoms Fall is a well-done debut, particularly by one person.
First of all, the song stands out with its mainstream qualities both musically and technically, so the energy was constantly familiar to me. Although the sound design has nothing traditional, the musical side has influences of traditional Metallica, Nirvana, and Muse in its musical origins, the band chose to perform traditional ideas under their big modern metal umbrella instead of just combining old with the new. Sound design has a crucial role in giving life to one's imagination in music, yet it can also cast musicality into shadow. In this case, I think it will be the main reason why people will or not choose to listen to this song.
On the musical side, I think Less Than Living stands out with its two vocal personalities, and this song was a good example. The first voice is melodic and old school, reminding me of Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) and Matt Bellamy (Muse) with his style, whereas the other is heavier, closer to what we usually hear from melodic metal with death metal growling.
On the other side of the coin, I have to admit that the song didn't resonate with me for two reasons. First of all, I didn't like the sound design, which sounded overly processed and too mainstream to me.
And secondly, it musically wasn't fresh-sounding and interesting enough for my taste.
When I put all these into account, I'd like to say that I had a good time listening to When Kingdoms Fall and respect the work the band has done. Modern melodic metal song by a one-man orchestra, with influences of Trivium, Lamb of God, Metallica, and Slipknot. Thanks for reading.
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