Metal Band of the Week:

For the Fallen Dreams

July 25, 2009 by Kyle Brady
Tags: "For the Fallen Dreams", Band, Metal, Music, Review
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With the recent (July 21, 2009) release of their sophomore album, “Relentless”, For the Fallen Dreams has proven they’re capable of producing more than just standard hardcore riffs, as they are visibly maturing into something both more substantial and enjoyable.

The previous album, “Changes”, presented the band for the first time to the world as a hardcore band with diverse interests.  But despite already beginning to fuse genres, they didn't stray too far from the typical song formula:  chugging, thumping riffs were interspersed with high-note interludes and layered with a gravelly growl on top - the result was an astounding and unique sound both violent and beautiful.

With a new vocalist, For the Fallen Dreams have reached for even higher musical planes, experimenting with unusual arrangements, less chugging, melodic hooks, and even singing.  The sum, in this case, is much greater than its parts:  the twelve cohesive tracks are a moving suite of emotional triggers that avoids clichés, ranging from atmospheric and lifting to brutal and depressing – without missing a single step in between.

Here's the 3rd track off the new album, titled "A Plethora Of", that showcases their newfound range:



For such a young band to have matured by only their second album, without a large fanbase to encourage them, is impressive, and suggests that they are more interested in expressing themselves creatively and musically rather than merely selling records – which is a trait to be admired.  Dylan Richter, the new vocalist, has obviously had an influence as well, and the clean vocals that make a few appearances throughout are extremely haunting.  Comparisons to bands like As I Lay Dying, Killswitch Engage, Misery Signals, and others are inevitable, but with this release they have clearly defined themselves as a band all their own.

Hopefully For the Fallen Dreams achieves the success that they so obviously deserve, as they continue to push the boundaries of what can only be described as melodic hardcore.  They can be found on MySpace and on the "Thrash and Burn 2009" tour;  the new album “Relentless” is available on Amazon [CD] [MP3], along with their debut album “Changes” [CD] [MP3].

"Metal Band of the Week" is a weekly series, published on Saturdays, showcasing metal bands that get less attention than they deserve.
Kyle can be found on Twitter and MySpace, or reached via email.