REVIEW: FACE DOWN – The Runaway

 

FACE DOWN – The Runaway (2010)

Independent

FACE DOWN’s The Runaway is a release built for listeners who want their heavy metal dirty, mean, raw, and completely unfiltered. The band leans into down‑tuned guitars, sharp and hostile riffing, and vocals that carry genuine fury — the kind that feels instinctive rather than theatrical. Across its five tracks, the EP moves with a force that doesn’t simply progress; it charges, collides, and levels everything in its path, delivering the kind of groove‑driven aggression that defines the best southern‑infused crossover metal.

Although FACE DOWN hail from France, their musical DNA is rooted firmly in the American groove‑metal tradition. Their sound channels the weight and swagger of PANTERA, the gritty attitude of BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, the sludgy southern punch of DOWN, and the hard‑rocking edge of BRAND NEW SIN. Yet FACE DOWN never fall into imitation; they filter these influences through their own perspective, creating a sound that feels familiar but distinctly theirs. The grooves are tight, the riffs are memorable, and the choruses have the kind of hook that stays with you long after the EP ends.

The production is clear, loud, and heavy — exactly what this style demands. The mix gives the guitars room to breathe while keeping the low‑end thick and punishing, enhancing the EP’s overall impact. FACE DOWN understand that groove metal lives or dies by its rhythmic weight, and The Runaway delivers that weight consistently and convincingly.

Released independently in October 2010, The Runaway was a fully self‑financed effort that circulated through underground webzines, forums, and DIY networks, helping the band build an early international following. More importantly, it became the creative blueprint for their later evolution, directly shaping their 2013 full‑length The Long Lost Future. In hindsight, this EP marks the moment where FACE DOWN solidified their identity and proved they had the potential to rise far beyond the local scene.

Ultimately, The Runaway stands as one of the most convincing European interpretations of groove/southern metal in recent memory. It guarantees satisfaction, delivers countless head‑banging hours, and showcases a band with both the ability and the drive to climb much higher if given the spotlight. Grab a beer, turn the volume up, and let FACE DOWN lead the way.

Christine  Parastatidou