Are you ready to confront your own "Voluntary Madness"? FEAR NOT, the Southern metal titans from Los Angeles, are forcing the question with the newly remastered release of their 2022 track via Resurrection Records. This isn't just a re-release - it's a renewed challenge, urging listeners to delve into the dark corners of their souls and emerge victorious.
The track, which originally appeared on their critically acclaimed album "Fields of Sorrow," has been given new life through a meticulous remastering process that amplifies both its sonic impact and emotional resonance. For vocalist Eddie Green, this isn't just another release – it's a testimony carved in sound.
"Voluntary Madness was born from the depths of a very real struggle," Green reveals, his voice carrying the weight of experience. The song, crafted through what he describes as a combination of prayer and raw emotion, tackles the demon of alcoholism head-on. It's a battle cry for anyone fighting their own personal wars, wrapped in layers of crushing guitar work and soul-stirring melodies.
The journey of FEAR NOT itself reads like a testament to perseverance. Formed in Los Angeles in 1987 under the name Reaction, the band would undergo several transformations – both in name and sound – before emerging as FEAR NOT in the early '90s. Through lineup changes and industry shifts, they've maintained their commitment to crafting metal that matters.
Eddie Green's addition to the band marked a new chapter in their storied history. A seasoned touring vocalist whose powerful pipes and passionate delivery have become synonymous with the band's modern sound, Green brought a fresh perspective to FEAR NOT's established foundation. His journey from fronting bands like "Rapid Fire" and "Messenger" in his youth to becoming the voice of FEAR NOT speaks to the divine appointments that often shape musical destinies.
The decision to revisit and remaster "Voluntary Madness" wasn't made lightly. In an era where new releases often get lost in the digital shuffle, FEAR NOT chose to reinforce their message rather than simply move on to new material. The remastered version maintains the original's emotional core while adding new layers of sonic depth that make the message impossible to ignore.
"This song has always been about more than just music," Green explains. "It's about acknowledging the battles we face, the choices we make, and the hope that exists even in our darkest moments." The remastered version serves as a reminder that no battle is beyond God's reach, a message that resonates far beyond the confines of the metal scene.
The timing of this release feels particularly poignant. In a world grappling with increasing mental health challenges and addiction issues, "Voluntary Madness" offers both understanding and hope. The track doesn't shy away from the reality of struggle, but it also doesn't leave listeners without a light at the end of the tunnel.
Musically, the remastered version showcases why FEAR NOT has remained a respected name in the Southern metal scene. The production brings new clarity to the interplay between thundering rhythms and melodic guitar work, while Green's vocals cut through with even more authority than before. It's a masterclass in how to update a track without losing its soul.
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this release serves as both a reminder and an invitation – a reminder of music's power to speak truth into darkness, and an invitation to join in a battle cry that echoes beyond the speakers. "Voluntary Madness" may have been born from personal struggle, but its remastered form stands as a universal anthem for anyone fighting their own battles.
The remastered "Voluntary Madness" is now available on all major streaming platforms through Resurrection Records. In a musical landscape often criticized for prioritizing style over substance, FEAR NOT continues to demonstrate that the two need not be mutually exclusive. This release proves that sometimes, the most powerful messages deserve a second telling.