Like so many bands I have reviewed over the past few years, Dead to Fall is another one that I have had no experience with prior to this release. They has been labeled as a metalcore act, but considering the music on Are You Serious?, I am not so sure. It seems to be a bit more experimental in nature. 

I have no idea what I would call it. The music is layered, heavy, and rather entrancing. It also happens to be lyrically a little bit off when compared with other examples of the genre; that is when you can understand them! 

That said, once Are You Serious? takes off, it is hard to put it back down. No, I don't feel that this is a great album or that Dead to Fall is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but there is definitely more to them than your standard screaming band. What I really like about the album is the relentless nature. It digs down into the heavy, looks you dead in the eye and engages in a musical stare down, daring you to blink, daring you to turn away. I found that to be a difficult task. Even when I wasn't truly feeling the music, I found myself listening on, waiting for the next uptick for one was sure to be right around the corner.

Before even getting to the music, you are bound to have some thoughts on the cover. It is a truly retro-80's style faux-digital looking piece of work. For some reason, as I look at it I am reminded of Tron. It doesn't really look anything like the Disney film, but that is the connection I have made with it. I have to believe that the thought process that led to it was pursued with tongue planted firmly in cheek, much like a lot of the lyrical content (what I made out anyway).

The album opens with an intro track called "IQ Test." It has swirling synth and a heavily processed voice imploring you to "relax, focus on the arpeggios, become one with the universe." It is rather humorous, while at the same time lulling you into a false sense of security, allowing the band to take over as the song "Stupid" comes into play. Here is where the lyrical absurdity kicks in. They take dead aim at genre conventions, referring to much of them as being stupid, and flat out making fun of others. One of the best lines would be the last one: "Let's end this f**king song with a f**king breakdown!" Then, wouldn't you know it, the song goes into a breakdown and promptly ends.