Fallen Letters is a genre-defying Progressive Rock/Metal band rooted in Bangalore, India, weaving together Alternative Metal textures with a soundscape that echoes the spirit of Opeth, Deftones, Katatonia, and Agalloch. Formed by vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist Naidu, alongside guitarist and backing vocalist Aditya Ramesh, the band’s sonic architecture is enriched by Abhay Prakash on bass and Mukund Narasimhan on drums.
Their debut EP, released in 2024, garnered critical acclaim for its intricate layering and emotional gravitas. Engineered and produced by Naidu, with mixing and drum production by renowned producer Mike Langford, the EP marked Fallen Letters as a new presence in the global Prog Rock/Metal landscape.
With their latest release, Mindfractures, the band unveils a bold, expansive sonic journey, an ambitious exploration of the influences that shaped them. The album comprises 8 tracks for 50 minutes of music. An arpeggio opens it. A Fractured Monologue will explode a few seconds later with a massive riff. The song is very moody, and I find it very inspired with a very interesting contrast between the "calm" vocals and the heavy music. A great opener, with fantastic drumming and some amazing guitar parts.
A catchy guitar riff (very Rush, to my ears) opens Distant Lines, more direct than the opener, very 90s and more alternative rock, but with some dark moments and a fantastic guitar solo. Everdream is a power ballad with some heavy moments, a fantastic rhythm section (drumming is amazing), and the usual quality solos. Submatrix features tasty bass and vocal lines, with a classy arrangement and a hint of electronics. It reminds me of Pain of Salvation for some reasons.
Among the other songs, I love the atmospheres -sometimes sinister- of Drenched (which features some very interesting sax solos) and Monochrome Visions, complex and with some Dream Theater moments, the full parts of Beneath the Opaque Veil (the riffs are fantastic!) and the closing The Farthest Window, with some incredible drumming moments and probably the proggest song on the album, at least to my ears.
Mindfractures is a quality release from every point of view: songwriting, performance, production, and arrangement. Even the album cover is very well made. Every piece is in the right place, and these guys have a bright future in front of them.
Give the album a go by clicking on the player below and follow Fallen Letters on social media as well, if you like what you hear.
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