Starting out under the name, LOVE LIFE they had an album titled “Goodbye Lady Jane” on Blonde Vinyl in 1991. They later changed their band name to FEAR NOT, and under that name they released their self-titled debut on Pakaderm Records as a critical acclaimed debut which was recorded and produced by John and Dino Elefante. Their message is direct and simple – to spread the good news of hope and salvation. They have shared the stage with some of the greats of Christian rock and metal, like Bride, Deliverance, Guardian and Barren Cross, as well as headlining shows themselves. They did put down the band during the 90s and did not release another album for a very long time. The original band members moved to different parts of their country to continue individual music ministries and music careers. It was in the of summer 2018 a group of die-hard Fear Not fans invited the band to their church to rehearse for a weekend and that is when they realized they still had a calling and needed to do something about it. Due to some physical issues Larry Worley stepped down as their lead singer and by God’s grace and provision they brought in to the fold a brand-new addition with lead vocalist Eddie Green who helped them elevate the band to a whole new level with his metal vocal styling dynamics. Eddie is a seasoned, touring vocalist who most recently fronted Even The Dogs, who had a charting single titled “Ghost”. In 2017 and the 25th anniversary of the band they released their follow up EP entitled “For The Wounded Heart”. The release features all 4 original members along with Eddie Green formerly of the band EVEN THE DOGS. Fear Not have embarked on a brand new journey and rekindled that band relationship and have been working on brand new music for the first time in almost 35 years.
Moving forward past the pandemic we arrive at 2022 with their latest offering entitled, “FIELDS OF SORROW which the LP recording of it is limited to 200 copies on black vinyl. “Fields of Sorrow” sees FEAR NOT embarking on a new musical journey with the release of their sophomore full length album which takes the listener on a heavy and heartfelt journey with the band as they prepare to release this full length album of all new music with meaning. Tracks that tackle many of the issues we face and deal with today, with the addition of some heavy and emotional music as your soundtrack, “Fields of Sorrow” is an album that is in a way designed to help one navigate life through these troubled times we live in. “Fields of Sorrow” features stunning new artwork from Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal Graphics and is scheduled to be released on July 8th, 2022 on CD and via all digital platforms.
The album gets going with “Riptide” an anthemic salute to early 90s hair metal with a modern feel. I am weary with blokes with high vocal ranges especially in this genre because the lyrics can get lost, and often can seem strained and blurry at best but Eddie Green manages to keep it all under control and the production allows the vocals to come through clean and resilient in the mix. The guitar riffs are catchy with enough drive from the drums and to keep the song moving along nicely, slightly repetitive, but non the less a great start to the album. “I believe the Author of our lives” just resonates that no matter what that is where their hope is stayed and anchored even in amidst of a rip tide of life.
“Voluntary Madness” following the format again showcases the origin and influence leanings of the band, and these guys already I can see they love their big choruses. The chorus is very strong and elevates the quality of the song and I love the modern all most hardcore vocal touch at 2:50 followed by a great driving lead guitar movement that flows back nicely and neatly into the chorus again. They are most certainly from the 90s or at least influenced by that era and even late 80s but they add elements of modern influenced hard rock to keep it relevant. I think largely the vocals are responsible with the vocal stylistics that are presented in each song.
Great call on “Fields of Sorrow” the third track as it changes up the gears musically and vocally and has a huge arena rock appeal to it. Very poetic in lyrical content with some well timed changes and shifts throughout the song; again making use of their golden ticket which are big choruses. Great single over all. I use to love bands like Warrant and L.A. Guns as they could carry big choruses in such a way that where a song might otherwise might have felt weak was able to bind the song together and give it supportive strength and this is where I do feel that FEAR NOT has some great skill harboured in the formation of their songs.
“Lay it Down” introduction gave me the feels as it reminded me a little of Collective Soul’s “Let is shine”, Great lead guitar work. “Join Together” as an amazing intro riff, and its sing a long momentum again showcasing an arena rock side of the band. Great solid message honestly lyrically, “we need to join together”, and some really good arena rock drumming around 1:48. Has some radio friendly qualities that almost reminiscent of the late 70s rock movement. Almost seems fitting to hear this song on “That 70’s show” which aired in 1998. “Black Soul Sunshine” has like Bride’s “Drop” feel to it. Again the lyrics come through strong, clear and sobering. It is for me a salvation song.
“Beautifully Broken”, “Struggle”, “Into the Grave” carries the mid section of the album forward in similar formula of songs like “Lay it Down” and “Black Soul Sunshine”.
“American Prayer” slows down things a bit in a dreamier more thought provoking reminiscence. As the title reflects the song is a lyrically strong prayer for a nation. The mood and setting is just perfect for the delivery of the song and allows the words to have prominence while the music holds the sincerity and honesty of the song in balance. In a way I would have ended the album on this note, as its invitational and sets a sobering tone to the state not only of America but the world and the urgency in a sort of a dare to change our ways, but that change starts with the revelation of who Jesus Christ is and what his capable of if we believe and have faith for change. “God’s Country” reminded me musically of the young guns album of Bon Jovi. Lyrically though it is a wonderful declaration and statement of faith and belief. A stand of faith sung with spirit by a convinced heart.
“Carry Me (Reprise)” is a soft beautiful and prayerful song, and a great epilogue and conclusion to the album. Again a song that is crafted in a way that its delicate construction can be a prayerful salvation call for those whom want a change in their lives. Absolutely a key song of who the band is, of whom they represent and the mission they are on, lets hope its not going to be another 20 years before we here more from them, and see them live out what they sing and believe.
In conclusion if you fan of bands like Barron Cross, Bride, Guardian, Collective soul and the such then FEAR NOT will find a home in your heart. They do have that late 80s and early 90s hard rock/metal influence which does reflect the generation they grew up in, and the era of bands that in some way or another seem influenced or at least grab inspiration from. There are some 70s rock overtones too, but all is brought into the modern era nicely with a well produced mix.
Will you spin this album more than once? A question of importance when committing your pockets to the release, especially since the Record label said it’s something that you would put on repeat. I am normally weary of such statements and its dangerous words to put out there, especially if the reception is yet to be tested and reflected upon. I can say for honesty that the “Fields of Sorrow” has that potential, especially if this bracket of music appeals to you. It’s easy on the ears with catchy hooks and leads that are really good without taking away from energy and momentum of the songs or being overly dominating, which I personally hate.
The band is on a mission for sure and lyrically the songs are foundational in a almost evangelic tone. There is no questioning their relationship and stance in Jesus Christ. The no nonsense lyrics leave you singing along in the choruses and certainly their belief and faith in how they present it is not only infectious but believable.
“Lay it all Down….Lay it down”.
Written by Donovan de Necker
My Rating: 8.5/10.
CD Track Listing:
- Riptide (3:55)
- Voluntary Madness (4:10)
- Fields of Sorrow (3:10)
- Lay It All Down (3:56)
- Join Together (4:09)
- Black Soul Sunshine (4:41)
- Beautifully Broken (4:32)
- Struggle (3:57)
- Into The Grave (4:25)
- American Prayer (4:30)
- God’s Country (3:44) [Bonus Track]
- Carry Me “Reprise” (4:15) [Bonus Track]
LP Track Listing:
Side A
- Riptide (3:55)
- Voluntary Madness (4:10)
- Fields of Sorrow (3:10)
- Lay It All Down (3:56)
- Join Together (4:09)
- Black Soul Sunshine (4:41)
Side B
- Beautifully Broken (4:32)
- Struggle (3:57)
- Into The Grave (4:25)
- American Prayer (4:30)
- God’s Country (3:44) [Bonus Track]
- Carry Me “Reprise” (4:15) [Bonus Track
Band members:
Eddie Green – Lead Vocalist
Larry Worley – Rhythm Guitars / BGVs
Gary Hanson – Drums / BGVs
Rod Romero – Bass Guitar / BGVs
Chris Sorensen – Lead Guitars / BGVs
Albums:
Love Life – “Goodbye Lady Jane” (Blonde Vinyl -1991)
Fear Not – “Fear Not” (Pakaderm Records -1993)
Fear Not – “For The Wounded Heart” EP
Fear Not – “Fields Of Sorrow” (Roxx Records – 2022)
Release Date: June 8th. 2022
Record Label: Roxx Records
Weblinks Facebook
Lyric video for ‘Fields of Sorrow’
Video (audio) for ‘American Prayer’
