Falling in Reverse returned after a seven-year hiatus from full-length albums with Popular Monster, their fifth studio record, released on August 16, 2024, via Epitaph Records . While the buildup spanned half a decade—including early singles like the title track from 2019—the album ultimately crystallizes the band’s genre-blending boldness.
A Genre-Crossing Sonic Assault
With roots in metalcore, rap metal, pop-rap, and electronica, Popular Monster isn’t content to stay in one lane Album of the Year. You’ll hear it all: from dread-laden breakdowns and rap-infused verses, to soaring choruses, danceable rhythms, and even country-tinged anthems.
The title track “Popular Monster” their first platinum single and No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock—dropped in November 2019, setting the tone for the album’s darker, confessional energy. “Ronald”, released May 2024 and featuring Tech N9ne and Alex Terrible, digs into nu-metal territory and shock-tactic visuals . Meanwhile, “All My Life”, featuring Jelly Roll, is country-rock alchemy and snagged Top Hard Rock Song at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards .
Other highlights include “Last Resort (Reimagined)”, a symphonic rework of the Papa Roach classic, and a cinematic, genre-fluid “Prequel” opener New York Post.
Chart-Smashing Comeback
Commercially, the album hit No. 12 on the Billboard 200, becoming the band’s highest debut ever, while also topping the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart .
By late September 2024, Popular Monster became the first rock/metal album released in 2024 to earn Gold certification from the RIAA—surpassing 500,000 equivalent units . By early 2025, it had already sold 892,000 units in the US, with nearly 2 billion streams globally .
Critical Response: Bold, Chaotic, Unapologetic
Critics were divided in that delightful, chaotic FIR fashion. Blabbermouth lauded its experimental edge and unmatched identity within the metalcore/post-hardcore world (8/10) . Sputnikmusic called it “a fun, schizophrenic mash-up of ideas” that works despite itself . Wall of Sound gave it a solid 6.5/10, praising the visceral energy underneath the genre-hopping .
On the harsher end, The Soundboard compared Radke’s persona to “another grifter” (i.e. Tom MacDonald) , while Still Listening Magazine harshly rated it zero, questioning the band’s continued prominence.
Notably, Loudwire named it the 3rd best rock album of 2024, solidifying its impact amid the controversy.
Why It Matters
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Reinvention After a Lull
Popular Monster marks FIR’s triumphant return to albums after 2017’s Coming Home—revamped and genres are mashed with reckless confidence. -
Collaborative Firepower
With guests like Tech N9ne, Jelly Roll, Alex Terrible, and Saraya, the album embodies musical cross-pollination thriving in its chaotic diversity. -
Commercial & Cultural Relevance
Gold-certified and streaming giants, the record proves that FIR’s controversial energy still captivates audiences. -
Emotional Weight
The album is Derek Jones’s final work with the band before his passing in 2020 adding layers of emotional resonance.
TL;DR
Falling in Reverse’s Popular Monster is a high-voltage collision of nu-metal, rap, country, and symphonic rock pushing the band into new territory with jaw-dropping singles, powerhouse collaborations, and chart-dominating success. It’s polarizing, raw, and unapologetically them.