Fear Not fires off another release less than a year since their last EP. With output like this, a full length can’t be too far away! Since the band’s re-emergence from deep sleep in the late 2010s, they are becoming a constant in the live Christian hard rock and metal circuit, specifically staples in the rather recently stood up Immortal Fest. Although they hang with a rather nostalgic crowd, I find this new EP something more than rehashing the past, landing on a sound that is their own.
Fear Not has roots stretching back to the late 80s under the name Love Life. After they released their debut, they disbanded and then reformed as Fear Not wielding a hard rock sound that was vulnerable in the shadow of the spectre of grunge. After a well executed, but a little stylistically dated, album in 1993 they faded out of consciousness. This wouldn’t be the end as a happenstance meeting 25 years later between hardcore vocalist Eddie Green and Fear Not’s Larry Worley through a motorcycle ministry led to discussions of resurrecting Fear Not. The timing worked out as Larry wanted to step down as vocalist and Eddie was open to taking it on. The rest of the band was on board and they have been back at it, regularly producing music with a distinct smokey southern tang.
“Hard Road” starts off in a country bar with a “one, two, three, get it!” The opening riff is nice piece of groove work that recalls The Commancheros or Skynyrd that brings forward the southern bravado declaring the scars of the hard road of life while not being defeated. It is heavy, but doesn’t collapse under its weight, giving space for an anthemic chorus and a lyrical guitar solo. A great intro to the EP!
“When Goliath Fails” takes a slower southern swagger with Eddie’s delivery showing attitude in the face of the lies the devil sows. The chorus has a call and response character that keeps the vocals fresh and we catch a technical solo demonstrating breadth in guitar work. “The Blind Leading The Blind” takes a traditional heavy metal route with chugging guitars and taunting vocals, dominating like a roaring semi-truck on the open road.
“The Devil Preys For You” lyrics speak to how the devil can answer our prayers as he preys on believers. It is an interesting concept. The song has a somewhat knotted texture and more serious presentation that fits well with the lyrics, but lacks the earlier catchiness. The closer takes a turn into ballad territory with sustained arpeggios setting a dreamy atmosphere. The song mixes ambient and worship styles with the bass and drums driving the pace, keeping it from the stickier ballad lands. The song speaks to God’s mercy and grace even though we were the ones who drove the nails into Jesus on the cross. It is a thoughtful end to the EP.
“The Blind Leading The Blind” continues to build the band’s reputation as producers of high quality Christian rock with these five cohesive songs with a distinctive southern flavor. While I often lament the length of EPs, this release feels complete in the short form, running a good 20 minutes. The breadth of styles and confidence is clear, which I think would be killer on a full-length album. If you enjoy melodic hard rock or southern rock of any sort, you should check this one out.
Rating: 8.5/10
Written by Sean Bailey
Tracklist
1 – Hard Road
2 – When Goliath Fails
3 – The Blind Leading The Blind
4 – The Devil Preys For You
5 – I Drove The Nails
Fear Not is:
Gary Hanson – drums and vocals
Chris Sorensen – lead guitar
Eddie Green – lead vocals
Rod Romero – bass and vocals
Larry Worley – guitar and vocals
Release Date: March 20, 2026
Record Label: Resurrection Records and Roxx Records
Discography:
Fear Not (1993)
For The Wounded Heart (EP) (2020) [review]
Fields Of Sorrow (2022) [review]
Weight Of The World (EP) (2025)
The Blind Leading The Blind (EP) (2026)
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Lyric video for The Blind Leading The Blind