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Downfall is the debut album from Canada's Triskelyon. They have a unique lineup with one guy playing guitar and bass, another that programs the drums and two singers: a man and a woman. They play thrash metal that leans in a harsh, technical direction sort of like Nuclear Assault, Toxic, Sacred Reich, etc. where there is a lot of speed and screaming vocals. At least, that is what it sounds like they are going for, but apart from the guitars and a decent production, it is a poorly executed effort. I could point to things like the dull, derivative songwriting, but most of the blame for this album's failings falls on the shoulders of singers Pete Healey and Marlee Ryley. Of the two, Ryley has probably the better voice for thrash, a dry scream, but neither has a particularly strong performance here, led by multiple occasions where both simply lose the beat. This is particularly egregious on "Find a Way" (Healey) and "Balance of Terror" (Ryley). Oh, you want to release a thrash record? Why not cap it off with a cover of Billy Idol's "Nobody's Business"? I can't remember the last time I heard a more out of place cover on an album, made even more unlistenable by Healey's completely inappropriate voice for this song and the fact that the band can't seem to decide if they want to be faithful to the original or make it into some kind of thrash version. I hate to crap on an album, especially from a new band, but there is very little appeal to Downfall. I do think there is some talent here, but Triskelyon really need to tighten up their performances and write some better songs if they expect to capitalize on it.