Formed in 2008 by former members of popular goth metal/pop outfit Evanescence, We Are the Fallen (the name was derived from Evanescence's 2003 album, FALLEN) employed their predecessor's penchant for melodrama and brooding theatricality with a newfound emphasis on the band as a whole. Rocky Gray, John LeCompt, and Ben Moody -- the latter left Evanescence in 2003 -- had experienced significant tensions within the group as it rose to international fame behind talented singer/pianist Amy Lee, so when the opportunity for a new project arose, they looked to former AMERICAN IDOL contestant Carly Smithson to provide the pipes. Single "Bury Me Alive" revealed a vibe obviously reminiscent of Evanescence, but benefitted from a slightly more traditional rock sound, courtesy of the full-throated, powerful, occasionally bluesy vocals of Smithson.