Tackling the topic of the Caroleans, soldiers of Swedish Kings Charles XI and Charles XII, during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, To The Fallen Sons is a uniquely mighty progressive rock and metal composition, which showcases a sensational level of creativity and musicianship from band Carolus.
From the opening moments, the weight and fullness of the soundscape prompts the rock fan to swiftly turn up the volume. Then you get the verse vocal, briefly softer and more accessible, focused on the lyrics; on the story. Then there’s the ultimate rise up through the various sections of the song, to methodically arrive at the final satisfying resolve that is the hook.
You can hear the drummer maintaining peak energy and pace during the hook, the vibrant tumble towards it paves the way with brilliant anticipation. The entire band have this superb ability to perform at pace but in perfect unison, even throughout the numerous changes and redirections offered by such a creative structure.
Brilliantly done, a complex metal song with a classic theatrical vocal style and an equally performative, poetic concept that seeks to lay out an age-old storyline in a new and fascinating way. These details connect a little more notably with each revisit, but even on first listen, stunning musicianship impresses, and the uplifting strength of that hook section offers an addictive, memorable little hit that’s likely to keep listeners coming back for more. Turn this one up loud.
