14/09/2026
Fading Hour – Welcome,Stranger (Single review)
Since their return in 2025 after a 10-year Hiatus the band have been busy cooking up first singles back Eclipse, Leave it all behind, Out of nowhere and Asphyxia. All of which were phenomenal songs. They followed it up with a live album on their return to the live scene. This was all done with the original lineup formed prior to their hiatus.
Fans were wondering what comes next. Is this it or will we hear more. Months pass with word music may be cooking behind the scenes. But there will be sudden change that will shock fans. Mick Camilleri stepped down from vocals. What was this to mean for the continuation of the return of Fading Hour to the live scene. Well, bring on 2026 and fans of fading hour were in for a surprise. Not only was the band cooking up more music, but they were to do it with a familiar face to some. Perry Kakridas (Former frontman of the heavy band Circles was now the new lead singer of Fading Hour. Some people may be apprehensive with a change in lineup especially those who can’t handle a change in vocalists ‘You know who you are’ anyway for those who knew Perry from Circles as I did, they knew he was a powerhouse vocalist. Not to take anything away from original vocalist Mick but was this the fit the band needed to take the band to the next level. Oh, hell yes, I do. I really wish Mick all the best and will follow him on his musical journey if he chooses to continue. However, now’s the time for a new era of Fading Hour and what an era it looks to be if the first single with Perry ‘Welcome, Stranger’ is anything to go by.
It starts off with the familiar sound of what we know of with Fading Hour by their music influences combining as one with Pete’s amazing guitar and Jono’s Bass and thundering drums by Chris . One minute and 15 seconds into the song is the moment we get to hear what Perrys vocals sound against the soundscape of the band. Instantly you can hear his familiar vocals that he brought to the circles first album Infinitas. He starts off slow luring you in before he smacks you in the face with brute force with his screams.
Lyrically it seems like this is about moving forward but fighting some sort of pain aind anguish and the will to keep fighting. At least that’s my take from it I could be completely wrong.
Where has Perry been hiding all this time since leaving Circles. Was he waiting for the the right band to join. If this is only the first taste of whats to come with the new era of Fading Hour then I’m here for it.
10/10
I don’t say ‘Welcome, Stranger’ I Say ‘Welcome, Perry’
Welcome Stranger is available on all available streaming platforms now
