What’s that old saying again? “The more things change, the more they stay the same”—right? When it comes to Michigan based metal outfit For the Fallen Dreams, perhaps a more fitting—but just as timeless—adage would be “change is the only constant.” With a career defined by constant progression and dedication to refining and rejuvenating their unique brand of aggressive, passionate metalc, For the Fallen Dreams have consistently demonstrated an incredible ability to adapt and evolve their sound and dynamic despite overwhelming adversity—and all without sacrificing the core components of their sound. Built around explosive breakdowns, gut-wrenching grooves and lyricism that touches on everything from an introspective glimpse into the human condition to brotherhood and the cycles of life and death, these Midwestern masters of metal have made themselves a staple within the international heavy music community.
While For the Fallen Dreams was founded in 2003, their story starts in earnest with the release of Changes in 2008—a record that would irreversibly and unremarkably impact the footprint of heavy music. Following Changes, For the Fallen Dreams would go on to release five more remarkable full length records, from the atmospheric and moody Relentless to chart-topping comeback record Heavy Hearts, which landed at #162 on the Billboard Top 200 and #3 on Billboard Heatseekers lists and 2018’s SIX, their debut venture into more metallic territory with over 20 million views on their video single for Unstoppable on YouTube and tens of millions of streams across various streaming platforms. All of which lead to the band’s self-titled seventh full length record, a release which sees For the Fallen Dreams at their most full-realized, poignant and powerful. Combining elements of hip-hop, modern rock and progressive metal into the vicious dynamic the band have become known for, For the Fallen Dreams’ self-titled album is a record that has all the makings of something timeless. Combining the band’s penchant for punishing aggression and bombastic breakdowns, dramatic guitar solos with soaring choruses, ethereal atmosphere and unpredictable, grisly grooves, the band’s self-titled release is as ear-catching and contagiously catchy as it is downright crushing. “This record is a true testament to putting in the hard work and leaving your comfort zone to create something special,” elaborates Ruhlig, who now takes on a new role as the bands primary clean vocalist. “Our previous record SIX set this release up to please all of our newer fans over the last four years…while still keeping our heavy side fans have come to expect from us,” Ruhlig states, supporting the notion that the band’s most recent act caters strongly to fans of any iteration of For the Fallen Dreams’ impressive 15 year tenure. While For the Fallen Dreams have certainly been through their fair share of changes, one thing has remained constant: their dedication to constant growth while never failing to deliver primal-yet-emotional music that has made them a staple in modern metal.
– Connor Welsh