Fades Away has rebranded themselves musically for the release of their newest project, Resurrection Part 1. Their album Perceptions showcased a symphonic hard rock sound akin to bands like Red and Skillet. While the band pulled the sound off well enough, it sounded a bit like a cash-in on a popular style of rock music. With their newest EP, however, Fades Away strips away that symphonic façade and goes for a more straightforward alternative metal sound that leaves a much bigger impression. Glimpses of Spoken and Matt Baird certainly come to mind while listening.

The EP opens with the lead single, "Sad State of Affairs," and the change of sound from Perceptions is readily apparent. The rhythm of the chorus, coupled with the double time drive and screamed vocals, really sets the song up as a great starting place for the EP - not to mention the bridge. "The Game" brings a more traditional hard rock feel, but the guitar leads and pinch harmonics add a nice touch to the mix. "The Smoking Gun" is arguably the best track on the EP and follows "The Game." The entire song has a great sound, but the bridge really brings this one home. Dave Erickson sings, "I've kissed the smoking gun; I've held it in my hand and I've seen what it's capable of. The power, the craving, the shame; insatiable entropy born in the flame. I heard the tales they tell; impervious prince's delusions made easy to sell. The picture won't fit in the frame; the only difference between us is that we're exactly the same." "The Resistance" continues that Spoken sound and features a really nice guitar solo about halfway through. The short EP then comes to a close with "The Beast" and is another enjoyable song to cap things off.

The change Fades Away has made may be considered bold by some, but it seems to have been the correct decision. Skillet is proof that symphonic rock still has a place in today's market, but Fades Away chose the road a little less traveled. Resurrection Part 1 is a great blend of alternative rock and metal aspects, features nice riffs and solos, and some really solid and thought-provoking lyrics. The bridges in the EP are fantastic across the board: part metal breakdown and part intense vocals and deeper lyrics. Some may have a harder time adjusting to Dave's higher pitched clean vocals, but the screamed vocals fit the musical landscape just right (much like Matt Baird of Spoken). If you weren't impressed with Perceptions, I'd encourage you to give Resurrection Part 1 a shot. It's a very different collection of songs with a very different approach. However, if you loved Perceptions, don't be scared off by the word "change." You just may find that change is sometimes the best thing that can happen.