We Are The Fallen, the band formed by three founding members of Evanescence and fronted by American Idol finalist Carly Smithson, have signed a recording deal with Universal Republic Records, the label announced today. Featuring Smithson on vocals, bassist Marty O'Brien [Tommy Lee, Disturbed] and former Evanescence guitarists Ben Moody and John LeCompt and drummer Rocky Gray, We Are The Fallen isn't so much a new outfit, as it is an updated lineup of the trio's original band. The name is a reference to Evanescence's debut album Fallen, which has sold more than 15 million copies to date, and on which Moody was a principal songwriter.

This is "a new chapter of an existing band for three of us..." Moody said in June press conference (see live video below) to announce the new lineup. "The chemistry in this band has made for some incredible music," said Smithson in a statement. "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." The group are currently recording their debut album in Los Angeles for an early 2010 release.

"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," Moody said. "We cannot wait to unleash our creativity in the new year." Since leaving Evanescence in 2003, Moody has co-written hits for Chris Daughtry and Kelly Clarkson, among others. Smithson was a sixth place finisher during Season 7 of American Idol, and her acclaimed performances on the 2008 American Idol Tour confirmed her stature as one of rock's leading female voices.