You may know Gotee Records for some of its premier acts in the Christian music industry today, such as the innovative John Reuben, the impressive House of Heroes, and the successful Relient K. But lately, the label has been signing several new artists. B.Reith, Stephanie Smith, and newest melodic hardcore band, I Am Terrified (formerly known as Fixed Til Tuesday). With the new name, the band brought with them six strong tracks that make up their debut EP with Gotee.

The self-titled EP opens with "Falling On Everlasting," giving an example of what to expect for the remaining five songs - musically and lyrically (which urges the listener to "Go and tell the world, tell the world of His beautiful name"). "Heaven Knocking, Hell Rising" has a sort of Maylene and the Sons of Disaster vibe, only with less of a metal feel than Maylene, which then slows down for the intro verse of "To The Service." It picks up however, and asks us as Christians if we truly fear God, and when we're going to actually fall at His feet and worship Him. Next up is "Velvet Thunder," which is reminiscent of the late Sides of the North, only in a harder form (as there is some screaming, some double bass, and a breakdown of sorts). "The Parting" keeps the SotN sound going, leading into the southern metal-style "Some Glad Morning," which beautifully borrows from an old hymn in the song's end ("I'll fly away, oh glory, I'll fly away"). Maylene's own Dallas Taylor lends his vocals for part of the song, and they blend so well with I Am Terrified's Patrick Schefano that it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the two screamers.

An EP is always a good way to introduce a band to a larger audience. If the band ends up not going over so well, people won't regret the purchase as much, seeing as how they spent less money on it than a full-length - not to mention the band and label will have spent less time and money on something that wasn't received well. However, if the EP is a success, it will leave people wanting more, anxious to get out and buy the full-length when it releases. Hopefully I Am Terrified's full-length debut won't consist of all six of these songs (one or two would be alright), but even so, I personally am looking forward to it.

- Review date: 10/1/08, written by Scott Fryberger