ALTIRA: “Death Of Fear” EP Review
If you remember the female-fronted rock sound of Fireflight, then you’re in for a treat. Dawn Michele, the former lead singer of Fireflight announced earlier this year she was coming back to music with a brand new band, ALTIRA. This Nashville-based rock band consists of Dawn Michele, Ash Blair on guitars and Gina Osmar on drums. Back in March of 2026, they released their highly anticipated first single, “Black Hole,” with a hint towards more music. Now, we’ve been blessed with that debut EP through The Fuel Music, Death of Fear.
Death Of Fear EP Review
Tracks: 4
Length: 15:53
Release Date: June 5, 2026
Label: The Fuel Music
The Death of Fear EP starts with “Black Hole.” The song starts slow but then goes heavy with the power chords. This takes you back to the classic sound of Fireflight. Throughout the song, the bass accompanies the melody of the vocals. It was great to hear that passion and drive in Dawn’s vocals again. This sounds like a song that you would find yourself singing along to in the car. I love the breakdown in the middle when it provides these subtle guitar notes before building back up into the song.
“There’s something beautiful deep inside of me. And it’s only love that can help me feel it. So help me feel it.”
This song starts the concept of triumph over self-doubt, abuse and self-worth. It speaks to how we put on a front that we’re okay, but deep down we’re hurting and looking for something to take the pain away. But there is someone who is willing to reach down and show us the love and healing that we so desperately seek.
“Here I Am” begins with a synthy start between keys and power chords before going into the verses. They bring something totally fresh to the table with the vocal effects, especially the effect on her voice in the chorus provides a reverb and depth to the vocals. I like the gang vocals towards the end with the “nah-nah-nah.” Musically, this song goes hard! Throughout the song there were different elements that I enjoyed, such as the electronic elements, how they manipulated the voice tracks at the end and the overall attitude of the song.
“I been looking at your easy life. Yeah, I think that you got something to hide. You say that you got it figured out. But I can see the fear behind your eyes.”
Thematically, this song is centered around people who put on a front that they have it all together, using it to judge others. But, what we’re lacking is a sense of vulnerability, especially in the church. We try to put on a front meanwhile we could be going through a difficult season when we could use some help.
“Death of Fear” opens up with a similar sound to bands like The Protest. It’s got a great midwest gritty rock sound. The bassline is prevalent throughout the chorus and carries the tone. In fact, I believe that the bass truly shines on the entire EP. The drums work thunderously throughout the song as the entire kit is utilized appropriately and helps give the song a complete sound.
“I’m here to win the war. I’m back from the dead. I’m not giving up yet, I’m not your pet. Tell me to jump. I’ll land on your head. I’m back from the dead.”
The song title matches the theme of the song. As Christians, it is through the death and resurrection of Christ that we no longer fear death. In this song, the attitude echoes that philosophy. “I’m here to win the war. I’m back from the dead,” this is an anthem cry that Christ is back from the dead and that He will prevail.
The EP wraps up with a deep and personal song, “Paper Doll.” The song starts slow with subtle guitar strums and has a dark, ambient vibe hanging over throughout the song. The lyrics at the beginning speak of an abusive relationship for the main character in the song. Dawn hits those high notes in the melody in an efficient and effortless tone. Her voice towards the end sounds similar to Lacey Sturm, as she’s telling the end of the story.
“Mama used to hurt me. Daddy didn’t care. When I see me in their pictures, I wish I wasn’t there. The devil always found me when I tried to disappear. Every day’s a little longer when you live with fear.”
These are some hard lyrics to write and sing as it discusses a potential abusive homelife. The sad part is that this is taking place all over the world where children are the target of their parent’s anger and frustration.
“But I see the phoenix, the reflection in my eye. When I rise above the ashes all my pain will die.”
This might be a difficult song to write, much less sing, but there is hope in the end. Hope that you will rise above that abuse. Rise above that pain. God is willing to reach down and help you rise. It might be difficult, but it’s worthwhile. This was a great way to end the EP with a message of reality, but also triumph.
The Death Of Fear EP might only be 4 songs and 15 minutes long, but it is wonderful to hear Dawn’s voice again. It’s been six years since Firelight released any music, but we’ve got a new chapter beginning with ALTIRA. The lyrics are hard, raw and vulnerable, talking about abuse, passion, judgment and ultimately triumph. The Death Of Fear EP gets the listener rocking along with it and is something that you can throw on with the whole family to rock out to. The only question left is, when does the full-length come out?
