I doubt I'll like this.

Album Rating: 2.0 | Sound Off

Dropping this to a 3 because the last song is pretty terrible, and a bad closer really kills things for me. They tried to replicate the success of Call Me and failed miserably at doing so.

Still, the album as a whole is pretty good. The first two tracks and It All Adds Up are the clear highlights, but most of this is still solid.

@Gyromania It totally depends; TSOM is clearly the better album, but the two are barely even in the same genre so it's difficult to make a good comparison.

omg.. is that maka from soul eater?

Album Rating: 2.0

You just noticed that?

pretty sure i never talk to ebola

Album Rating: 2.0

I definitely have to disagree with you on this one. I don't have a problem with them changing their sound, cause they always have at least a little bit. But the major issue with their newest is that the lyrics are so lazy and repetitive. It's like they finally cashed out on their commercial success of Sound of Madness and just went for an all out radio friendly pop record and the songs to me, come off as shallow. I can't get into it. This album is a hard 2 for me.

Album Rating: 4.0

@Gyromania that depends. If you are more into the pop sounding tracks from SoM (If You Only Knew, Second Chance) then I say definitely give this one a spin.



@Ebola I can definitely understand that. Personally I enjoy the rest of the album so much that it doesn't really hamper the experience for me but I can totally sympathize with you.



@gordodustin I really don't have the problem with the lyrics. I think it's because after all the songs they released ahead of time I was ready for a pop rock album with a coat of Shinedown paint. Personally I can still get really into it and I find it to be a fun and enjoyable album to listen to.

Album Rating: 3.5

Wow. There is a lot going on in this thread.



It seems the overall consensus of the board is that they hated Amaryllis. I think everyone is dramatically overlooking what this album really was, and what it meant for Brent Smith.



Amaryllis came right after SOM, the album that put them front and center in the spotlight, on the radio, touring, etc. That's a lot of pressure for a follow-up album. At the time, Brent was still struggling with drug and alcohol problems.

That all changed during the recording for Amaryllis. Brent went clean. He lost weight. He became sober and healthy.



We all know this, but I think everyone is overlooking the impact his transformation had on his lyrics. There is a lot of reference to overcoming problems, seeing things in a new light, believing in yourself, and their first true love song (which they nailed 10/10).



I think if you all go back and listen, actually take in the lyrics, and listen to the words and emotion from Brent, you will respect Amaryllis as much as their other work. Trust me, the lyrics are what makes that album a 5 star record.



As for Threat to Survival, I've listened to it twice, and am very uncertain how I feel about it. It is definitely different, especially compared to Amaryllis. I'm a big lyric guy, and so far, none of the songs on Threat to Survival have spoken to me. I don't hear the same emotion in Brent's voice. Maybe a couple hundred more plays will help me hear what Shinedown was trying to get across in these songs.

Once I get past the lyrics, I go to the guitar and drums. And they are exceptional as always. I love the way Shinedown puts together their songs, and they didn't disappoint here.



My initial reaction is similar to my initial reaction to Amaryllis. Confused, indifferent, trying to figure out who they are at the moment (b/c the new album is nothing like the previous, comparing SoM to Amaryllis, and Amaryllis to Threat to Survival).



So far my favorite songs are It All Adds Up, Outcast, and Asking For It. The radio hits will grow on me (Cut the Cord, State of My Head, and Black Cadillac).



I think we can all agree that it's nice to hear new Shinedown material, and bask in the glory of Brent Smith. Can't wait to see them again in concert.

Album Rating: 4.0

You know I'm actually going to listen to that album from that point of view and give it another fair chance. I think my problem with the album is that, I didn't find as many really stand out tracks on the album like I did for SoM, Leave a Whisper and especially nothing that stood out to me as much as the tracks on Us and Them. But I will give it a few listens and get back to you on that.



I'm totally understanding with your confusion for this album but I recommend spinning the record a few more times and it'll all come together.

Album Rating: 3.5

E0C:



The songs that really speak to me from Amaryllis are Bully (I know, overplayed radio hit, but listening to it, this song speaks volumes to all those who have faced adversity such as bullying, and is such a strong track for overcoming those obstacles. "...while they hang another rope, so lonely". Songs that bring the issue of suicide front and center are extremely powerful (Seether "Rise Above This" is another. A beautiful track for anyone who has ever been so low, feel like such an outcast, that considering suicide is the only way out. I believe this song has the capability of saving kids from making that fateful decision.), I'll Follow You (this song really speaks to me. This is Brent, with a clean head, singing his deep emotions to his wife. It is a beautiful song, full of powerful lyrics and passion in the delivery of the lyrics. It's actually on my work-out playlist just b/c of the power behind the lyrics. I can really hear Brent feel like he is free from everything that once held him back, and he can finally express his love for his wife), and Unity ("So have you ever been caught in a sea of despair, and your moment of truth is the day that you say I'm not scared". I believe this to have been Brent overcoming his addictions. Living scared, in his "sea of despair", afraid of what future is ahead. Overcoming this was his moment of truth. Very powerful stuff.)



Threat to Survival is growing on me the more I listen to it (10+ more plays yesterday). Nothing like long road trips with Shinedown playing on repeat. I've probably listened to Amaryllis front to back in one continuous session over 1,500 times, Sound of Madness probably 2,500 times. Threat to Survival will get there eventually.