There’s a new addition to the Greyscale Records family! Adelaide four piece Falcifer have joined the ranks of the strong collective of bands, revealing new single “Pain” and a five track EP of the same name releasing on March 6th. Clearly excited about the Falcifer x Greyscale collaboration, bassist Alex Henderson described it as “a match made in hardcore heaven.”
About the song, “Pain” is tough to take in, both sonically and visually. Littered by decay, and shark attacks and insects in grotesque and skin-crawlingly repulsive scenes (like maggots consuming meat), we’re immediately plunged into a metaphor of the consuming and suffocating experience of pain. “It’s. All. Fear.” is virtually smashed into earholes, coming across as an instrumental ‘Can’t you see?’ level of wake-up call.
Two-stepping forward, Falcifer bluntly share the experience of living with these contortions of pain and fear, and the endlessness of it with there being no reaper or other figure to confront. Explaining this idea inspiring the song, vocalist Stephanie Marlow says “Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy”, and describes how self-doubt, regret, and bitterness can come from pain.
“But the scythe never comes”
The isolating experience is well captured by an aching/searching call via guitar and circular waves of sound. With the return of vocals, tumultuous percussive strikes reflect the tension in wondering what to do in the situation.
For such a dense and heavy song, it’s surprisingly heart-wrenching feeling the protagonist waiting for an ending; for someone to step in and finish things. In this limbo, splitting focus with thick bass groove and isolated riff is unexpected yet incredible. A monotone rhythmic pull captures the slow progression (or even decay), before the ache and wail return to see us through to the end.
Marlow sees pain as something temporary, with potential wrapped up in it. In her words “By becoming self aware, pain can turn into growth, a development of self worth, and forgiveness.” The potential is present in the song’s groove and more open moments that exist alongside its crushing intensity. I’m relatively green with Falcifer’s music, but I’m impressed with this!
Watch “Pain” via YouTube below. Pain pre-orders are available here: https://grysclrec.lnk.to/falcifer
