Pennsylvania's Beyond Fallen Scores European Record Deal, Releases Debut Album

In the United States, we tend to enjoy things with a European flair: Luxurious German cars, Italian shoes, Belgian waffles and French fries.

In Europe, folks seem to dig American metal. And we're not talking Pittsburgh steel-but heavy metal music. More specifically, NEPA-based Beyond Fallen.

Beyond Fallen, a five-piece original metal band attracted attention of music fans overseas, which led to the guys inking a deal with the Netherlands-based label, Melissa Records earlier this year. Beyond Fallen's debut label release, Mindfire is set for release and along with that, the guys are packing their bags and stamping their passports for a summer tour in Europe. (The band's gig list goes like this: Kingston. Nanticoke. Berlin!)

I had a chance to chat with Beyond Fallen vocalist Joe Karavis and guitarist Steve Jasuilewicz about their deal, their tour and their thoughts on the global music scene. The band was elated to have been given creative control over their Mindfire project, seemingly a rarity amongst the record industry.

"It was a breath of fresh air to find a label that will back bands and their artistic vision instead of the vision that the label and producers think people will like," said Jasuilewicz.

Karavis agrees. A graphic artist and designer by trade, Karavis also designed the cover art for the CD. He feels that Europe is more liberal, with control held by musicians.

"That's why we went with Melissa Records. They are from The Netherlands, one of the most liberal, open-minded nations on the planet. So I don't think that's a coincidence. We are delighted to have the support, and the freedom," said Karavis, who wrote most of the lyrics for Mindfire. "We have some great songs on this new album, very powerful, and some strong lyrics."

Karavis states there is more diversity in mainstream music in Europe, while in America, he feels there is limited selection coming from major labels and music networks.

"... Metal is so diverse a genre. It allows for limitless creativity. There are many bands in Europe that we here in the States never get to hear, because we are only forced to listen to corporate pop radio and MTV. People here are not even aware of the great music that exists from other places. The American public is being force fed garbage. It's too bad more American bands can't be heard," he explained.

So, when metal is your genre, Europe is the place to be and in fact Germany is dubbed the metal capital of the world. And while English and German are two distinct languages, metal is universal.

"European metal does have a certain vibe to it... you'll always hear guitar harmonies, soaring vocals-- usually operatic but there may be some screaming in there too-- huge thick sounding guitars, and pounding drum beats. It's a real nice blend of musicianship and intensity. True metal never goes out of style and doesn't cater to trends, its stays true to its form for the most part," said Jasuilewicz.

Karavis explains that Europeans also seem to look at the music industry differently than most Americans, considering music more of an art than a business-a refreshing mentality for Beyond Fallen.

"I find (Europeans) tend to look at things different in some ways than Americans about music. For example, here the first thing many people ask a band is 'How much money do make?' Where Europeans would ask, 'What's your next album going to sound like?' They seem to value creativity more, where America it's all about money. Trends come and go - but look at metal. It's always maintained a sizable fan base. It truly is the music of rebels, and those that choose to walk off the beaten path," he explained.

The highlight of Beyond Fallen's European tour is perhaps being part of Germany's "Headbanger's Open Air Festival."

"We were given a great slot that Friday evening amongst some very talented bands. Frankly, we are all honored and elated just to have been invited to be part of such a great event," said Jasuilewicz.

And when in Europe, one cannot help but wonder if Beyond Fallen will indulge in some fine Belgian and German beer.

"If you notice the Beyond Fallen guys out locally you can usually see us with a bottle of the strongest import beer we can find. Got to practice to keep up drinking with the Germans! Seriously, hopefully we won't overdo it on the partying. I wouldn't want to spend every day with these guys while I'm nursing a hangover!" said Karavis.

Beyond Fallen is looking forward to the opportunities being signed to a European label affords them.

"...We are very happy to have the chance to make our music and bring it to other parts of the world," said Karavis. "The friendships we've made, and experiences we have, meeting new people, and going to new places I would not trade it for anything. Hopefully a lot of fun is in Beyond Fallen's future. That's what it's all about."

For those who want a glimpse of Beyond Fallen before they head to Europe in July, they can be hear at Nightcap's this weekend.

(The full interview orginally appeared in The Weekender's print edition on June 6, 2007)