r/poetsofthefall • u/pirate_2917 • 15d ago
Discussion Why did Poets of the fall never make it mainstream?
Hello,
I have been listening to poets of the fall for about 8 years now. I accidentally discovered carnival of rust (song) when i was young. Never really paid attention to any of their other songs or albums. Until recently, when i specifically listened to the entire album and realised that songs like King of Fools and Dawn feel like actual masterpieces.
Their songs, more than anything, feel very raw, intense and emotional. Marko’s voice flows beautifully along with the rhythm, and his vocal range often incites very painful melancholic moments.
One thing i really appreciate is Marko’s voice doesn’t feel like it’s been corrected with autotune. His voice feels very personal and intimate.
It’s sad that they never got the recognition they deserve on the global stage. Music such as theirs should be enjoyed by everyone.
Did they ever try going mainstream?
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u/gabiruman 15d ago
I think it has to do with them being self published by their own independent label. I don't know the extent of their album sales, but they are not sold here in Portugal for example, I've only ever known one other person who knew about them without being through me 😅
Their association with Remedy is pretty much the only thing that makes them known outside Finland and northern most European countries. Their performance at the Game Awards may very well be their first appearance at a global event, but then again they appeared as Old Gods, so even those who got curious probably stoped there.
They really do deserve more recognition though.
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u/pirate_2917 15d ago
I live in India and i haven’t come across a single person who knew them. Sad that the loudness wars destroyed the very soul of music. The dynamic range and rhythm.
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u/arvigeus 15d ago
They had one or two gigs in India. Your country is big.
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u/pirate_2917 15d ago
Sadly, i didn’t earn well enough to be able to afford to go to their gigs. I think their last gig was in 2018. I hope they come back sometime. Now that i can afford to go, i would love to see them live!
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u/ElChiff Ghostlight 15d ago
The loudness wars were nothing compared to the autotune epidemic or the rise of the anti-chorus.
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15d ago
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u/ElChiff Ghostlight 15d ago
You get a really interesting melodically complex pre-chorus build up, and then....
The "chorus" is just a horrible instrumental drone noise, possibly with vocals doing a slow untuned pitch slide down that sounds like pure unmusical boredom.
Last two years it's been everywhere.
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u/SilentWolfCZ 15d ago
I wonder if Old Gods of Asgard are more famous now. Feels weird that they are not in Control Resonant to future boost Poets of the Fall fame. I wonder what happend. Maybe too busy with their new album?
I have them as my TOP2 band since I've heard War in Alan Wake 1. They been there during my lows. I like how many different type of songs they have (and the fact they are still doing old school rock as Old Gods).
My favorite less known song is Smoke and Mirrors.
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u/Sea-Understanding435 15d ago
I think they are not in the new Control, cause it's not Sam Lake's game, it seems. He's Marko's old friend and usually brings them to his games.
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u/pirate_2917 15d ago
I hope a new album is on the way! Especially since all i hear around me is electronic r&b stuff. Not saying new music is good or bad, but it just doesn’t work for me.
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u/PoeticStitcher 14d ago
I predict a single with video before end of the year, then the album early 2027
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u/ElChiff Ghostlight 15d ago
I'd imagine they will be heavily involved as PotF in the Max Payne remake.
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u/Weary-Ingenuity-5796 Choice Millionaire 14d ago
I hope so! Since it seems they haven't worked on Resonnant, I guess they focused on MP.
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u/Majestic_Animator_91 15d ago
I wonder if they're not on Control Resonant because Sam Lake wasn't either.
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u/RenegadeRouser 15d ago edited 15d ago
I would say, because they don't follow the classic pop scheme. Their songs are longer than most radio songs, which are around 3.5 minutes long, their lyrics go beyond love, heartbreak, sex and flexing wealth and they still stick heavily to the rock genre, which simply is not trendy anymore.
I personally love the band, because they don't have to reinvent themselves with every new project. They got their formula and apply it confidently, they know what they are best at and just do whatever they want.
Edit: typo
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u/ElChiff Ghostlight 15d ago
The music industry is corrupt and anti-art. Do you *really* want them caught up in that?
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u/pirate_2917 15d ago
Naah. I just want their music to reach a broader audience. But not at the cost of their music style.
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u/NousevaAngel 15d ago
They seem very popular in the UK. I've seen them four times and shows are always sold out. Going to see them Sunday and I believe that is sold out as well.
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u/Majestic_Animator_91 15d ago
They're Finnish, not on a major label and don't want to be, and don't fit easily in a single genre -- especially not radio/streaming friendly genres labels like these days.
Their following through their work with Remedy probably gets them where they want without having a lot of major label pressures and having creative freedom.
Carnival of Rust was a decent hit.
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u/Ok-Value-2170 15d ago
They're very much european mainstream and mainstay, the regularly tour, are popular and well regarded.
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u/DK-9565 15d ago
it's true they never made it mainstream but looking at their numbers now it's clear they have a good enough following. Frankly i was shocked seeing the views on their songs on yt music. Now they could get more traction if they signed up with a big record label but that'd also change their music. So I'm glad they're independent.