Review Summary: that wood stain still looks nice ( ͡≖ ͜ʖ ͡≖)
Let go of your expectations. Let the curtain fall all the way down. Behind the curtain is an aged, but still very solid Staind rocking hard. They’ll never be what they used to be in your favourite album, but they haven’t lost their footing. People talk all types of shit about the lead singer, and in this album he confesses, “I gave all I had — still turned out bad”. It’s no excuse, but it’s a heartfelt statement most of us can probably relate to. The lyrics come from that standpoint, that dark place that Staind’s lyrics often fall in, compellingly driven by the singer’s usually charming voice. Effective as ever, and Confessions Of The Fallen is a surprising success amongst their discography.
Darkness surrounds the album, making for certain emotive sections that the instruments occasionally mirror. It’s nothing like the nu-metal of previous albums, but certain whipping guitars are at least reminiscent of Break the Cycle. The album is an excellent mix of chorus-driven melodies and distorted bits. It’s absolutely Staind with their usual shtick, and sounding a bit older. However, tracks are so familiar sounding that they are not memorable at all. It you compare this to any other Staind release, it may be difficult to explain what makes this one special.
All that can be found is a solid collection of well recorded tracks, with little separating them stylistically. It’s great news for Staind fans used to eating up the same oatmeal, but not great news for the evolvement of their sound. Compare the album to Dysfunction, and the contrast is shocking. The pumping drum beats are now gone, as are funky riffs. They’re going through the motions, but on the other hand, they still know how to spank asses through excellently written songs, and fun guitar-driven portions.
Okay, so the album doesn’t slap as hard as it could’ve. After their 2011 release, it seemed they may go in a more nu-metal direction, and those expecting a crazier, more intense sound may be disappointed. This album is much less messy, and grounds itself in the mainstream radio sound. Chunky guitars are here to give the heavy feel, but a collection of smooth, melodic tracks is the result. However, there’s still enough guitars and solid choruses to potentially please every type of Staind fan. In 2023, there’s not much else to expect from this aged band using the same tricks. Take them or leave them, this is Staind unapologetically.
