Review Summary: Bro Metal.
Sevendust is a heavy rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. They've been around for quite a while, since 1994 to be exact. They have released 6 full length albums as of recent times and are in the process of writing another one. This band manages to create quality music with each album having their own little charm. Although, the band had received a huge blow when long time guitarist, Clint Lowery left the band to pursue other projects, Sevendust manages to keep fighting. I have to say, after he left, Sevendust's sound had taken a big hit. There was a huge void that couldn't be replaced. And when their first album without Clint had been released, you could tell right away that something was missing. It's not that "Next" was a bad album, it's just that a key part to Sevendust's success was missing. Prior to this album, the band including Clint released one final album by the name of "Seasons".
Sevendust has a trademark sound that has needed little to no tampering over the years. With Lajon's aggressive vocals, Clint and John's hard hitting down tuned riffs, and Morgan's presence on the drum set, the music was set to leave an impact upon fans of aggressive music. Mixing various styles of heavy music, Sevendust created a sound that outclassed many of their peers. Traces of Nu Metal, Hard Rock, and Metal can be heard throughout their music. Topping their last album, "Animosity" would be difficult as that remains their most balanced and overall strongest CD they have released in their existence.
Without over exerting themselves or deciding to update their sound, Sevendust brought back the meat and potatoes heavy rock sound that they execute so well and upped the bar to a whole new level. This time, they had released their most melodic album in their career. The inclusion of the acoustic guitar is used on this album as well. That's not to say this CD lacks heaviness, because there are still plenty of thudding grooves and head banging moments for the metal crowd to mosh to.
On "Seasons" Sevendust took the play book from the past and tweaked their sound to a cutting edge performance, relying on strong song writing skills and balancing the melody between the brutality . Clint and John bring the aggressive edge into the music with their guitar work. Never exhibiting any technical prowess or sweep picking, their main goal is to start a mosh pit in the first row with memorable groove patterns destined to hit the listener straight in the face. they create intertwining patterns for hard hitting riffs based around the vocal patterns of Lajon and company. As far as they can go heavy, these guys can also hit melodic notes as demonstrated through "Honesty".
Clint also provided the band with his back up vocals since the early days. Clint has a strong voice that is used in sections of the album along with drummer Morgan who is responsible for most of the aggressive patterns, providing the back drop with his shouts whenever possible". Lajon has been the face of the band with his aggressive vocal delivery leading the way. What makes Lajon such a great vocalist isn't just that he has a great voice. He sings with power and confidence, switching from harsh to soothing in a minute flat. On "Enemy" the albums heaviest track, Lajon trades off with Clint and Morgan in a shouting fest before opening to a booming chorus. That can go for most of the album really. On the ballad of the album, "Skeleton Song", Lajon delivers a heartfelt performance as the acoustic guitar work sets the pace of the song. Lyrically, Lajon brings about daily happenings that occur to even the best of us.
Drum work is pretty solid for a hard rock/ metal album. Despite the lack of rapid blast beat masturbation and double bass abuse, Morgan is a solid drummer. He plays a lot of cool rock patterns that complement the music well. Along with providing the drum work, this former blue haired maniac adds the harsh aspect to the band with his numerous shouts that blend well with the heavy riffs. Bass work from Vinnie is practically inaudible for most of the album but can occasionally be heard regardless how uninteresting or important his contributions are.
Sevendust had released their last great album. The signature sound that has held them so far in their career has been ended. However, they have seemed to slowly recuperate from their loss and move on with "Alpha", a promising album for the future of Sevendust. Fans of rock or heavy music in general, can find something to enjoy in this album as a lot is encompassed through the music to attract a large gathering.
Lajon Witherspoon - vocals
Clint Lowery - guitars
John Connolly - guitars
Vinnie Hornsby - bass
Morgan Rose - Drums
Pros:
Heavy and melodic is balanced well.
Catchy, nothing too technical.
Easily accessible.
Cons:
Bass work is practically inaudible.
More diversity between the verse to chorus would have been great.
