For the Fallen Dreams - For the Fallen Dreams (2023)^{Release ID: 43657}

It's strange how whenever For the Fallen Dreams reach the perfect top for one or a few albums, the next one loses its steam and would have to build itself back up again. Although their new self-titled album isn't the worst they've done (that entitlement goes to Wasted Youth), the drop in quality is more understandable, show the band as a more alt-metalcore band than metalcore. Still around half of the album is worth it...

For the Fallen Dreams has been active for over 20 years, often hit by lineup changes, while founding guitarist Jim Hocking does what it takes to keep his band alive. The band's new album is their first in 5 years and with a new label, Arising Empire. As good as this album is, it doesn't stand a chance against most of their earlier discography.

It's clear how determined the band is, straight from the opener "Re-Animate". The massive chorus will hook you up from the get-go, as dramatic energy flows. "What If?" takes on rapid drumming, while adding interesting variety with rapping verses. "Last One Out" turns the aggression up to full gear. Yet within the heaviness is the melodic emotion to put everything in splendid balance.

"Without You" has more heartful effect. The riffs and leads make something so crushing yet sentimental. "Testify" is filled with moshing aggression. Intricate drums lead to a massive breakdown. "Searching..." has too much of a familiar formula. Impressive but not really amazing. "Suprapersonal" has more faithful tones and stealthy chaos.

"No Heaven" cranks things up in headbanging power. You also get to hear some fist-pumping soloing. "Sulfate" has ravaging grooves to tear you apart. With momentum in the heavy/melodic contrast kept steady, another highlight has been scored. The metalcore sound is given an industrial treatment in "Lavender" as drama and violence collide. "Chemicals" closes the album with the last bit of their fire and fury here.

For the Fallen Dreams has made some more of their good solid tunes in this self-titled offering of passion despite more derailment than most of their other releases. Some songs could've used more elevation for something different. Still they know how to ride the modern metalcore tides....

Favorites: "Re-Animate", "Last One Out", "Testify", "No Heaven", "Sulfate"