Firmament: We Don’t Rise, We Just fall

The last few years has seen a plethora of bands setting their sites on the 1970s for inspiration. For some listeners this might be an issue, but for me it is like a revelation. It’s confirming that hard rock isn’t dead and in fact is very much alive. No matter a band’s roots, the good news is there are tons of groups around rocking out like its 1970, and folks, that is just fine with me. What’s important is where the music takes you, and for fans who love rock, here is a band with an open ticket to the land of rock ‘n roll.

Firmament formed in Leipzig, Germany and has been around since 2021. The members’ roots can be traced back to the bands TENSION, Prisma, and Wayward, none of which I have heard. Let us get this out of the way first. Firmament’s We Don’t Rise, We Just Fall, released in 2023, does not attempt to make joyous music and why would it given the dystopian album title. No, this is more of a trip into the blackness of despair, and the darker realms of human psychopathy. Of course this does not mean the album forgoes melody because that is hardly the case as there are hooks a plenty.

Intensely heavy riffs begin the title track, the dual guitar attack recalling Thin Lizzy, and in the rhythm section I hear classic Iron Maiden. The vocals are another highlight, catchy, powerful, and sound great within the band’s retro approach. It’s not all heavy as the song lightens up, more thoughtful guitar alters the mood, the slower pace allowing one to catch their breath before the heaviness unfolds once again. With “The Void� the band sets a relentless pace as the riffs and drums just might pummel you senseless while the melody should put a smile on your face. Within the intensity the band still eases off the gas from time to time letting the listener know this is no one trick pony. “The Void� recalls Blue Oyster Cult at their 70s’ best. Another catchy riff and vocal can be heard on “Dreams Of Misery�, again, if you dig Blue Oyster Cult you should eat this one up. The clean guitar in the mellower parts has that cosmic BOC vibe. “Live In The Night� begins at a slower pace, mellow and moody, and then the riffs slash and burn, ease up, gain intensity as the vocals add another layer of melody. Intricate guitar work and super catchy riffs highlights the hard rocking “Losing You�, while the galloping guitar chug in “Hide & Seek� recalls Maiden at their best.

We Don’t Rise, We Just Fall is a great hard rock/metal album that screams old school while still keeping a modern touch. Absolutely stellar!

A Dying Victims Production release.

Track Listing:
1. Firmament
2. The Void
3. Dreams Of Misery
4. Live In The Night
5. Losing You
6. Hide & Seek
7. On The Edge
8. No Future
9. Last Desire

Added: July 22nd 2025
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 251
Language: english

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