Review SISTER “The Way We Fall”

Hailing from Sweden, Sister released their debut album, “Hatred”, in 2011 via Metal Blade Records. The band have launched two additional longplayers via the legendary label, and their latest album comes through Icons Creating Evil Art.

The fifth studio album is titled “The Way We Fall” and features ten new songs. Sister’s musical compass points towards hard rock, but to place them there would be too easy. There is a rebellious punk heart at its core, and the hoarse screams of frontman Jamie Anderson spread a blackened vibe on songs such as “Die to Live”.

Sister deliver bigger melodies, as in “Blood Sacrifice”, which blend with the sinister vocals. This contrast runs throughout the entire album, defining Sister’s musical approach, which also involves a touch of drama at the start of the title track, with its choral opening.

Metal, rock and a theatrical approach resonate throughout “Howling Hell” while “Tanz der Toten” comes not only with a German title, but also with a catchy chorus that makes you want to raise your fist and shout.

The sleaze rock-related half-ballad, “Let Me Be Your Demon”, is the album’s calmer moment and also features Linda Varg as a guest. Her presence is a nice addition, as her unpolished rock voice brings a new element to the mix that fits very well. The slower, gloomy “Mortal Sin” is another highlight of an album full of solid hard rock songs. Listening to “The Way We Fall” is entertaining, but I must admit that the hoarse vocals are only effective for a limited time. They also prevent the album from reaching its full potential, despite some great moments and a solid production.

In conclusion: A good musical foundation meets a somewhat trendy blackened image, and in the end, there are other bands that navigate the various genres with a clearer compass.