Universal Republic Records Signs New Rock Band We Are the Fallen

Ex-Evanescence Members Join Up With American Idol Vocalist Carly Smithson

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal Republic Records has signed new rock group We Are The Fallen, it was announced today by Monte Lipman, President and CEO of Universal Republic Records. The new band is comprised of the original members of multiplatinum trailblazing band Evanescence, guitarists Ben Moody and John LeCompt along with drummer Rocky Gray, with enigmatic American Idol finalist Carly Smithson powering the vocal reins of the new group. Respected touring and studio bassist Marty O’Brien (Disturbed and Static-X, among others) rounds out the iconic fivesome.

“We Are The Fallen represents a bold new musical turning point and we’re thrilled to be able to deliver their music to audiences hungering for their brand of passion”

“We Are The Fallen represents a bold new musical turning point and we’re thrilled to be able to deliver their music to audiences hungering for their brand of passion,” stated Lipman. “The combined elements of this band are a force to be reckoned with, and the entire company joins me in welcoming them to Universal Republic Records.”

Former Evanescence guitarist and co-songwriter Ben Moody also commented: “Carly, John, Rocky, Marty and I have been sequestered for a number of months to deliver a body of work that is going to stand the test of time. Collectively, we are thrilled to be in the very capable hands of Monte (Lipman), Avery (Lipman), and Tom (Mackay), as well as every individual at Universal Republic Records. We cannot wait to unleash our creativity in the new year.”

Carly Smithson stated: “The chemistry in this band has made for some incredible music. We are all so grateful for this amazing opportunity and thank our fans for the strong love and support they are already showing us in this early stage. We look forward to working closely now with our new family at Universal Republic Records to bring our music to as many people as possible.”

The group is currently recording their debut album for Universal Republic in Los Angeles and expect to release it in early 2010.

The energetic creative engine behind the launch of Evanescence, Moody and the other members of We Are The Fallen found a true partner in Smithson, who always envisioned a band environment as her dream move following Idol. Moody, who left the platinum-plus breakthrough metal act in 2003, has since co-written major hits for Chris Daughtry and Kelly Clarkson among others. Evanescence’s groundbreaking 2003 album, Fallen, spent an incredible 43 weeks on the Billboard Top Ten Albums Chart, selling 15 million copies worldwide, and 7 million albums in the U.S. alone.

Carly Smithson was a sixth place finisher during Season 7 of the landmark television series American Idol, duly recognized for having one of the hit shows most loyal fan bases. The fiery singer’s ‘elimination’ sent shockwaves through the ‘Idol’ blogger nation, with a critic for Entertainment Weekly even calling her dismissal ‘an embarrassing lapse in judgment.’ Her acclaimed performances on the 2008 American Idol Tour confirmed her stature as a preeminent female rock powerhouse.

Check in with We Are The Fallen at their website, www.wearethefallen.com.