"Were not dead, were not like you said, were not dead"

In early 2004, nobody knew who Blessthefall was. As the music scene began to get stale in Phoenix, Arizona, the bands hometown, a door opened up for the young group to get people's attention. A couple cross country tours later and Blessthefall had become of the top contenders in the post-hardcore arena. But as quickly as fame was achieved by the young band, so came a handful of problems leading up to the much debated and controversial departure of front man Craig Mabbitt. As they coped with trying to find a new identity to lead the band and as fans held their breathe to see what they would do next, Blessthefall stayed strong and pulled through. Enter Beau Bokan, one time vocalist for the California band Take The Crown, and just a few months later Witness was presented to the public.

Beastly guitar rhythms, gigantic drums, and loud gang vocals start this record strong. The intro bleeds into the first track titled What's Left of Me. You don't even hear Beau's voice until your 1:25 into the album, and when it comes in, the sensation of goose bumps runs down your spine as you realize, Blessthefall is back in a major way.

Ripping into the bands first single, God Wears Gucci, which a part from being a kick ass song to start with, has a very unique song structure with an epic ballad sounding ending. Following is the more mainstream sounding Hey Baby, Here's That Song You Wanted which is so catchy I couldn't get it out of my skull for the next couple days. The whole album is actually a very refreshing sound with highlights from We'll Sleep When Were Dead, Skin Walker, and Stay Still. Before you know it, the record is done and than you begin to realize "Holy shit, that was an awesome CD!"

It seems as though Blessthefall is here to stay, and I'm happy about that. I've been following this band for a long time and to see them rise above amidst all this drama is inspiring. One of the best records of 09' for sure, and a standard in which all bands should strive to reach. Everyone should be very, very excited about this album because so many bands have switch singers and ended up with a flop record (Escape The Fate) and to put my headphones on and hear such a well thought out, well executed record like this is refreshing considering all the garbage bands out there. Also, appreciation goes towards Elvis Baskette who produced this album with precision and grace and knocked out another hit.

It's time to celebrate. Blessthefall is back, Witness is a work of art, and it seems as though quality music has found a place in our iPods once again.

Blessthefall is:

Beau Bokan - Vocals

Eric Lambert - Guitars

Mike Frisby - Guitars

Jared Warth - Bass

Matt Traynor - Drums