2015 was, without a doubt, a breakout year for False. The Minnesota-based band released an untitled, full-length album packed with captivating, longform black metal. Their songs stretched out to an average of 10 minutes each, yet they held their fans' attention through primal fury and bewitching emotion. Their formula resulted in widespread acclaim and quickly vaulted False into an upper echelon of United States black metal. Now, roughly two years have passed. The band has been touring and performing, most notably pulling double duty at the inaugural Migration Fest last year. Now, 2017 sees the band return. This time it is a short, striking EP named Hunger.
Hunger is two songs, both less than five minutes in length. This is obviously a sharp contrast to what False has done prior. Yet, it contains the same ferocity that Untitled stretched for almost an hour. The new EP contains the most condensed material that False has released. "Anhedonia" and the title track have been trimmed of all fat. Instead, they become quick and lethal blows from a blackened force that demands constant replay. Vocalist Rachel N.'s feral wail is distinct and with the band's newfound urgency, her delivery is much more sinister. The long winding rhythms have transformed to harrowing monoliths that tower over a listener. While this new release is a stark change from what the band has done in the past; False ultimately still has the same might that makes them one of the brightest black metal talents in recent years.
False's newest endeavor is available for pre-order from Gilead Media in digital and 7" EP formats. It officially arrives on July 28th. Listen to Hunger now and also be sure to catch the band on tour with Thou, Cloud Rat, and Moloch; listed below are the dates.
