Fallin'

Its time for another favorite! This is a popular, christian post-hardcore band that hails from Phoenix, Arizona. And yeah, they definitely bring the heat. If you haven't guessed it yet, I'm talking about Blessthefall.

The band was born from the high school days in 2004 of Mike Frisby (guitarist), Miles Bergsma (guitarist), Matt Traynor (drummer), Jared Warth (bassist/screamer).  Craig Mabbitt (original vocalist) was then added to the mix a little bit later and in 2005, Bergsma left for college at Berklee and Eric Lambert stepped in to solidify the fab 5. They released a three track EP that same year and toured with names like Greeley Estates and got recognition for their religious stadpoint, getting them a deal with Science Records.  They stepped up, touring with Norma Jean and Alesana.  Then in April 2007, they debuted His Last Walk and completed an entire stint with Warped Tour.  They've also played with some amazing bands like A Skylit Drive, Dance Gavin Dance, Escape the Fate, From First to Last, and Before Their Eyes to add to their repitoire.  

But towards the end of 2007, Craig left the band's european tour for "personal reasons", which were said to be with his son and girlfriend. Mabbitt tried to come back, using his personal myspace as a message board. But the boys said "no". They had other things in mind and, I assume, didn't have time for someone to flake out again. Jared filled in with vocals, getting some help from Aiden Louis of Dear Whoever.  Then in September of 2008, after a rumored request for Craig to return to the band (which he refused after joining Escape the Fate), Blessthefall announced Beau Bokan as the new lead singer. On October 6, 2009, they released Witness, toured a bit, and released a video for "What's Left of Me" in December.

Sadly, Blessthefall will not be at warped tour this year, but will be reording their third full-length album, starting in May. But they won't be joined by Frisby, who left to pursue other things, so Elliot Gruenberg (ex-Legacy and Before Their Eyes) is helping out on guitar. Its sad to see Frisby go, but I'm super stoked for the band's next album.

I'll be honest, when Craig first left the band, "for personal reasons" (ruining Escape the Fate?), I didn't think I would like them so much anymore. Craig was a good frontman. But after seeing him in Escape the Fate, I turned up my nose. No one can replace Ronnie Radke, no matter how many times he goes to prison (right?). So I looked back to Blessthefall for some musical enlightenment and I was pleasantly suprised. Although Beau doesn't scream like Craig did, his voice is strong and evokes a great deal of emotion into the band's songs. And besides, Jared did most of the screaming before anyway. If it isn't broken, why fix it?

I've seen this band numerous times, but not with Beau as frontman. I've seen them at Warped tour and in Charlotte at Amos Southend. I plan on going to see them at Bamboozle in April, and hope they play "To Hell and Back", one of my favorite songs. I don't think I'll be disappointed!