Review: “False Flag” by Far From Refuge

“These songs have their roots in progressive metal, but our diverse influences combined heavily during the creative process. You’ll find elements of punk rock, metalcore, melodic death and more across the record. We put a lot of heart into these tracks and can’t wait for people to connect with this concentrated dose of Far From Refuge’s music.”  ~ Far From Refuge

By describing themselves simply as “a Metal band with Metalcore, Melodic Death and Progressive elements” Cambridge four piece Far From Refuge don’t really do themselves any justice. Guitarist and vocalist Joél Sutherland, vocalist Suran Jayathilaka, bassist and vocalist Matt Poskitt and drummer Jules Watts are in point of fact an award winning multi-ethnic Progressive Metal band of stature. Drawing on inspiration from the likes of Linkin Park, Periphery and TesseracT the band was formed in 2016 with dreams of creating captivating, powerful music laced with Science Fiction themes. 2019 saw their self titled EP land like a meteorite from the stars before a shower of stand alone singles were waterfall released as they built a reputation for a dynamic and visually stimulating live show. As if that wasn’t enough, they were named “Best Band” in the Rock category of the NMG Awards in 2021 and when they returned in 2023 they took the same title in the Heavy category…

Flavours of Iron Maiden explode in the ear drums like popping candy on the tongue as “Daybreak” bursts into life with a blood curdling scream, the high energy assault on the senses both powerful and uplifting. A lyrical narrative about ruling your own world while escaping your doubts and fears is one that resonates with classic Metalcore breakdowns and chugs which built upon with Progressive Metal nuances giving a resplendent quality. The calibre of the musicianship is unmistakable and shines through from the very start before continuing into “Ghost of Eros“, a track with sing-a-long moments fit for the bigger stages as well as a spellbinding solo. An opening pair of cuts that feel like conjoined twins never to be separated, their energy is such that they command being performed back to back live. Tapping sections give title track “False Flag” and entirely different feel, the funky introduction fading with haunting clean vocals before the chorus punches back. Progressive Metalcore with clear Architects influences, this one makes great use of staccato riff breaks in the final third which become the staple of “Whitemane” as well. Vibrant leads sound like a sirens song before the 2003 era American Metalcore vibes of the rampaging mid section give off the nostalgic effervescence of bands like It Dies Today. A track which somehow manages to sound new while also absorbing all of the bands influences like a sponge, it is utterly timeless and hits harder than a freight train broadsiding a truck at a level crossing. Flipping the script almost entirely, rich melodies soaked in melancholia breathe life into “Carcass“, a track which could happily have run on for anther verse and chorus without anyone being any the wiser. An opposing force to the uplifting nature of the opening track, the dark themes in this one feel almost macabre in contrast. The question is, where is the other half of this album? [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Daybreak
2. Ghost of Eros
3. False Flag
4. Whitemane
5. Carcass

“False Flag” by Far From Refuge is out 19th July 2024 and should be available over at bandcamp