Beyond Fallen, the latest NEPA area band to be signed to a major record label, has a lot going on right now and has struggled a great deal to get to where they are. There aren't many true metal bands in Pennsylvania (ask any struggling metal band), yet the band has received an ever-growing amount of recognition, locally and internationally. "Our approach at songwriting and our style clearly sets us apart locally because nobody else plays true metal - so it's like running in an election unopposed, ...though there are other bands in the world doing stuff like us."
Like many others before them, the band started by playing a few cover songs to find their own sound and style. They soon recorded their first EP, and then their first full-length CD, "Lost in the Shadows," by 2005. The European metal scene took notice instantly, leading to a spot on Headbanger's Open Air Festival and eventually signing to Melissa Records.
Like many others before them, the band started by playing a few cover songs to find their own sound and style. They soon recorded their first EP, and then their first full-length CD, "Lost in the Shadows," by 2005. The European metal scene took notice instantly, leading to a spot on Headbanger's Open Air Festival and eventually signing to Melissa Records.
The Netherlands label specializes in bringing metal from the US to Europe and the rest of the world, the band explains. Beyond Fallen has recorded a new album, "Mindfire" under this label, and it will be released internationally very soon. "I was given total creative freedom in designing the art and layout for Mindfire and the image and concepts for this album - and of course nobody told us how to write our songs. The creative freedom is important. It helps to have the financial backing to continue the band, because on this level it gets very expensive if you try to do it all yourself. I don't think it's just a coincidence that our label is from The Netherlands - one of the most liberal nations on the planet. We are an open-minded bunch, quite diverse in our musical backgrounds, and personal beliefs as well, so it's a great fit to be on this label."
Metal fans are sure to appreciate the new album, "Mindfire." As singer Joe explains, "If you like metal, you will dig it. We don't follow trends, we write songs we think are good - that we'd like, and if other people like it great."
Things are certainly heating up for this NEPA metal band, and the guys are very appreciative. "It's been a long, hard uphill battle, but through determination and being true to what we believe we managed to break out of Northeastern Pennsylvania."
Though the band has struggled locally in the past, we've personally witnessed local bands in awe and admiration of Beyond Fallen, and we're sure that will continue in the future. Does Beyond Fallen have any advice to other bands looking to get signed?
"I hope perhaps more bands from our area will see what we are doing and be inspired to try and do the same. There's more out there than just the bar scene in Northeast PA."
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