Review: For the Fallen Dreams - Changes

Artist: For the Fallen Dreams
Album: Changes
Label: Rise Records
Released: 1/8/2008

BSTscore: 90

Every once in a while, I stumble upon a band that I can’t stop listening to, regardless of the band’s strengths or weaknesses. Saginaw, Michigan’s For the Fallen Dreams is one of those bands. The band’s album, Changes, has been on repeat in the car, at home, and at work for a couple of weeks now. For some reason, it’s one of those albums that just clicks for me.

Musically, the band is something along the lines of a bastardized offspring of Misery Signals and Bury Your Dead. I can’t say they’ve stepped too far outside the box with their brand of metalcore, but the melody of the guitar work makes for some of the best sounding songs and breakdowns I've ever heard. For music this heavy, I can’t use words like beautiful, but it is close. On the flip side, the punishing rhythms will put you back in your place pretty quickly.

One of the glaring strengths, and yet weaknesses, of For the Fallen Dreams is vocalist Chad Ruhlig. It’s certainly not his fault, but his voice shares an uncanny resemblance to former Bury Your Dead vocalist Mat Bruso. First time listeners are bound to assume they are hearing Bury Your Dead. The angry, crisp vocals are a perfect fit for the music, but only further the comparisons. Chad’s lyrics are passionate and sing-along friendly, adding to their effectiveness.

Changes is an excellent album. From the anthems “Brother in Arms” and “Never Again” to the epic “Through the Looking Glass”, there isn’t a bad song on this release. I have to knock the band a little, as I can’t help but dwell on the similarities to other bands on the same genre, but it doesn’t change the quality of the music. The combination of brutal breakdowns and melodic harmonies is one that works for me and I look forward to more from For the Fallen Dreams.

Musicianship: 95
Vocals: 90
Creativity: 80
Impact: 95

Favorite Song: “Hopeless”

Listen to For the Fallen Dreams