No Fate - Prepare Yourself EP

Ever since No Fate sent me their demo last year, I've been anxiously expecting this EP, and I was not disappointed! This album is a necessity for anyone in the need to rock out, and rock out hard.

When they said "prepare yourself", they weren't kidding. The album kicks off with the title track anthem, and will make an avid No Fate listener out of any hard rock and metal fanatic. "Change" breaks down into the softer strains of "For You", then kicks into the darker strains of "Paradigm", showing the versatility and diversity of sound that this band posesses. "Paradigm" gives way to the electrifying pulse of "No Return", with one of the most amazing guitar solos I have heard in very long while - yet, how could I expect otherwise from No Fate? Especially when the next song, "As I Burn" follows; again, my favorite song from the original demo, with it's '3 Door's Down'-like flow. "As I Burn" is one of the power points of this album, and in itself covers the gamut of talent of this band, shown throughout the CD. Then finally, the album closes with a reprise of ability in the haunting strength of "Another Wall".

My only real disappointment in this album is that the mixing on several of the newer songs (meaning, not on the original demo) seems a bit off; the music sounds excellent, but I really have to strain to catch the vocals in some cases. But regardless, I'd insist that tracks such as "Change", "As I Burn", and "Another Wall" are definate must-have's.

If you're one of the lucky listeners in the Chicago area, keep your eyes open for dates from this band - I can only imagine how much more force this music will take live.