Falling in Reverse has always been known for pushing boundaries and delivering intense, hard-hitting music. Their latest, "Ronald," is no exception. Featuring the legendary Tech N9ne and the Slaughter To Prevail’s Alex Terrible, the song is an adrenaline-fueled anthem that showcases the band's evolution while at the same time highlighting the chaos that seemingly follows Ronnie Radke around every corner. For most, it’s a love/hate relationship with Ronnie with little wiggle room in between for debate. That said, I’m not reviewing Ronnie Radke today. Instead, I’m focusing in on Falling in Reverse's latest single and their accompanying video from a purely editorial point of view.
From the moment "Ronald" begins, the intensity of the track pegs at a '10'. The song kicks off with a fierce energy that sets the tone for what is undoubtedly one of Falling in Reverse's hardest-hitting tracks to date. Ronnie Radke's vocals are as powerful as ever, seamlessly blending with Tech N9ne's rapid-fire delivery and Alex Terrible's guttural growls. The collaboration between these three musicians' creates a dynamic and electrifying performance that captivates listeners from start to finish. And let’s not forget the other musicians in Falling in Reverse that brought “Ronald” to life in the studio. Max Georgiev and Christian Thompson on Guitar along with Tyler Burgess on Bass and Luke Holland on Drums were straight fire from start to finish and each gave 110% to to the track in uniquely innovative ways.
Lyrically, "Ronald" seems to be a call to arms. The song's message revolves around fighting for oneself and standing up against adversities. Understanding the unrelenting challenges that many face today, the song draws an inspiring theme that resonates deeply, especially in today's climate where self-empowerment and resilience are more important than ever. The lyrics are both raw and unadulterated, encouraging listeners to face their challenges head-on and emerge victorious. I can see this message resonating with many in a world that is ever-more polarized and isolating than ever before.
The music video for "Ronald" is a true visual spectacle. Directed by Jensen Noen (Motionless in White, Black Veil Brides, Bring Me The Horizon), it incorporates stunning special effects and CGI imagery that rivals most high-end science fiction movies of our generation. The video features dramatic lighting, explosive action sequences, and a dystopian setting that perfectly complements the song's aggressive tone. Ronnie Radke, Tech N9ne, and Alex Terrible (as the Devil) each bring their unique presence to the screen, making for a compelling and out-of-this world viewing experience. The special effects are particularly noteworthy, adding a layer of sophistication and excitement that keeps viewers fully engaged throughout.
While I’ve never been a huge Falling in Reverse OR Slaughter To Prevail fan, the collaboration with rap legend Tech N9ne on this track takes this song to a whole new level. The entire flow of “Ronald” changes when Tech emerges in his angelic presence and makes what I felt was a good song great in literal milliseconds.
“Yes, the hell is in front of you, side and behind, I can feel every sign of a human decline, I'm believing the time is upon us when all of our people are blind…”
And for those that feel Tech N9ne sold out here, think again. His metal collaborations with Corey Taylor (Slipknot), Serj Tankian (System of a Down), and others have been commonplace over the past few decades and highlight why Tech’s diversity and freedom from boundaries make him one of the best to ever pick up a mic. He’s a true artist and an even better person, and his presence on “Ronald” really helps to set this track ablaze sonically.
"Ronald" by Falling in Reverse is a testament to the band's ability to continually evolve and push the limits of their music. Featuring powerhouse performances from Tech N9ne and Alex Terrible, the song is a hard-hitting anthem of self-empowerment while the video is a visual tour de force that perfectly matches the song's unbridled intensity. With its mesmerizing special effects and dynamic performances, "Ronald" is not just a song but an experience—one that solidifies it’s place at the forefront of modern rock and metal videos. And with over 7M views on YouTube in just 14 days, that premise is confirmed in spades. If you haven't yet, do yourself a favor and watch this incredible video; it's a wild ride you won't soon forget.