In Fear And Faith – In Fear And Faith
Review by William Howard
Since the release of their sophomore record Imperial, post hardcore outfit In Fear and Faith has gone through a number of interesting and challenging events. In December of 2010, unclean vocalist Cody Anderson left the band, a pillar of the bands heavy sound. Not looking to immediately replace Anderson, the band chose to embrace their now lighter lineup and embrace guitarists Ramin Niroomand’s classical piano background. Taking the rest of that winter to rework and record symphonic renditions of some of their songs, releasing the Ep entitled Symphonies in May of 2011. Before the release of the Symphonies Ep the band faced another challenge losing both their rhythm guitarist and bass guitarist leaving the formerly six-piece band with only three remaining members. Determined not to let this stop them the band invited original vocalist, from back in 2006, Jared DeArmas to be the bassist and backing vocalist, as well as Sean Bell the former touring member of the group. Now solidified and revitalized In Fear and Faith took the rest of the year as well as more than half of 2012 to write and record the bands best record yet, the self titled In Fear and Faith.
In a genre where most bands are a derivative of formulaic and generic songwriting In Fear and Faith have never been afraid to do things their own way. Built of the talent and undying passion of each member, In Fear and Faith is eternally dedicated to their fans, and to creating something no one has ever thought of. Their brand new self-titled record begins with a sampled introduction, combining the sounds of flames, war, and helicopters, the introduction provides the framework for the records theme, fighting to survive. As the introduction slowly fades in the first track, “The Calm Before Reform”, the record immediately sounds huge. Building on two immense and unique guitar sounds, and expansive keyboard sections creating the sonic building blocks for clean vocalist Scott Barnes, it is clear In Fear and Faith has put everything they can into the record. Taking influence from Michael Jackson and other unconventional post hardcore influences, Barnes builds an interesting and captivating melody through every section. As the record continues I am constantly greeted by new and surprising sonic textures, embracing all of their influences and talents.
My favorite track on the record is the eleventh, entitled Last Man Standing. The track is records ballad, built on the composition of Ramin Niroomand’s piano skills, as well a string section and the beautifully passionate vocal inflections of Barnes. The track is not single purposed however, with a quick transition to heavy and passionate choruses, as well as a constantly changing verse section, “Last Man Standing” is utter perfection. As a huge fan of In Fear and Faith I have greatly anticipated what would come next for the band, would they be able to survive through the challenges of so many member changes, so many difficulties, and come out on top. It is now readily apparent to me that this is more than true. With a now solidified passionate group of musicians among their ranks, and the passion to survive at any cost In Fear and Faith have created the best record to date, arguably the most original and incredible Post Hardcore record of the year. In a world where most music is just the derivative of the previous, In Fear and Faith have created the most consistently new and inspiring work in the genre.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Recommended Tracks: “Last Man Stranded” “The Calm Before Reform” and “Dream Catcher”
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