In the year 2005 i was left a little dissapointed. All of these kick*** bands coming out with CD's, yet, leaving me unsatisfied. Examples: Disturbed's new album was Ok (not as spectacular as i thought), Ill Nino's new album turned into the brazillian Ateyu (Though its growing on me), and Korn's new song...Lets not go there. Up til now, the only 2 albums that kept me on the edge of my seat were SOAD's "Mezmerize", and Staind's "Chapter V". October 3rd, a leak came out for an album ive been waiting to hear since this band's last CD "Seasons". Sevendust NEXT is power packed CD of how rock, and new metal should be done! Hardcore, meaningful lyrics, sweet singing, combined with screaming (and to anyone that thinks im talking about Tool: Sevendust dosent have the "Worldisgunnaend" vibe to it...Though i do like Tool). Sevendust has always delivered this kind of music, and i usually never leave home without all 5 albums in my possesion.
Before i get into the tracks, here is some band history: Sevendust was formed in 1995 by drummer/vocalist Morgan Rose. The band was signed in '96-'97 and released there self titled album in 1997 (the debut singles being "Black" and "B**ch"). Sevendust played nearly 900 shows by the time they released "Home" in 1999 (closer to 2000). "Home" included their definitive single "Denial", as well as "Waffle" and "Licking Cream". They were asked to play Woodstock '99 on the very last day of the event (I think it was after all the people got killed over water bottles). In 2001, they went into recording there album "Animosity" in which they were actually given time to record. The time payed off when it was released, with the hit single "Praise”, and later “Live Again”. Also on the album was a song dedicated to the late singer of Snot, Lynn Strait, known as “Angel’s Son”. In 2003, they released album #4 “Seasons” (with the hit single “Enemy”- a song directed at Fez of Coal Chamber for mistreating the bassist Layla, who IS Morgan’s wife), and though it was defenatly a great album, it seemed a tad softer than most of the Sevendust material. This was mainly due to their label, TVT, gradually telling them to soften there sound. While things were going on between TVT and Sevendust behind the stage, the continued to play kick*** live shows, and even released an acoustic CD/DVD. In fall of 2004, it came time to think about new material, and two of the most major changes in the bands history occured---TVT dropped Sevendust from there label (basically so Sevendust could do what they wanted, and TVT could promote crap like “The White Stripes” and rap). And there guitarist, Clint Lowery, left the band to be with his brother in “Dark New Day”. But from the rock bottom comes the pull through- Great new guitarist (Sonny Mayo, ex-guitarist of Snot and hed(pe)), their own label (7bros/Winedark run by Universal), and awesome, and i mean, awesome new music.
Hero- This track is defenatly the p.o.'d awakening that some Sevendust fans have been waiting for! Starts of with a heavy riff, with Morgan screaming bloody murder. The verses could use some work in the flow, but the chorus' melody works well with the music. The intrelude gives a truely climatic feeling for the song 4/5
Ugly- This is the first single for the album, and for a reason. This is the only song i really see being made slightly for a radio. While there is some screaming from Morgan in this song, it is mainly Lajon's melodic voice. The bridges are heavy, and the chorus has the essance of a song from Seasons. It also has a small acoustic filler. For anyone who wants a brutal track, go to "Pieces", but fans of Sevendust...This is for you! 4.5/5
Pieces- This song was leaked onto the internet when Sevendust put it on the main page. Anyone who wanted to hear Sevendust do something heavy got to hear this first. The song maintains a constant kick to it, and the tone and meaning of lyrics are heavy within themself. This kind of intensity is new for Sevendust, but it DEFENATLY works 4.7/5
Silence- The first riff of the song tells you this is gunna be something special...Kicks in to heavy verse, and into a melodic chorus by Lajon. I also love the guitar work in the Intrelude (If you listen to the song, you'll know what im talking about). A heavy outro finishes the song 4/5
This Life- First time around, i didnt really care for this song, cuz i was on an Adrenaline rush (Did i spell that right?)...But then maturity kicked backed in. Its a very meaningful song about Lajon becoming a father, and i guess, also about love for his wife. This is a very soft song indeed. Perhaps should have been a later track, but still a beautiful balad by Sevendust 4.5/5
Failure- This is the ONLY one song that still dont care much for. Reminds me of "Dead Set" from Animosity, but "Dead Set" was better. After just having a soft track, this may or may not have been a good spot for the song. Dont get me wrong, this isnt a bad song. To validate my review of this track, it is a slow heavy-like riff, with slower singing. The solo in this song kicks *** though. 3.7/5
See And Believe- This track starts with a slow synth, followed by a gut bursting riff. The verses are slow, and though the chorus is once again melodic type, the chorus outro kicks it up. The intrelude features a bloody scream by Morgan, and then a short heavy riff. The ending riff is the same as the beginning riff 4/5
Last Song- The beginning of this song is kinda dark, reminds me of a Korn song. Verses in this song could use some work, but the Chorus is both heavy, and catchy ("THIS WONT/Be the first time/I EVER/Wrote a song/YOU BET/You bet this will be/THE LAST SONG I EVER WRITE ABOUT YOU). The intrelude shows some true anger from Lajon, and then Morgan blowing up...People might think thats cliche'd but Sevendust makes it work well 3.999/5 (I wanted to give it a 4, but the verses just couldnt let me do it)
Desertion- If you are one of those types who notice the rating before the actual review, then you might already see this is my personal favorite. Starts with a Old School Sevendust-esque kind of riff, and blows into distortion. The whole song (besides for Morgan's screams) is melodic, but delivers the punch all the same. Its also got a pretty nice solo, and ending riff. Actually, some people might be reminded of "Enemy" 5/5
Never- This song also has a special place in my heart. When the CD was leaked, this was seen as the last track on the CD, and you wouldnt be suprised...Its got the climatic, and falling action type elements a final track should have. It starts with Synths being used, and samples of bells in the backround, to give a gloomy death kind of feeling. The chorus is what really grabbed me about the song -"Stare nto the face of a broken dream (Stand em up, Stand em up)"- The ending of the song has a slight guitar sound which gives the image that a tradegy just happened. Though this isnt the real end of the CD, it would be a great ender 4/5
Shadows In Red- The first fully acoustic song by Sevendust. The song has a positive vibe after the truly dark "Never". And though its all acoustic, whats this? Theres still a beat to it. Though its not a favorite of mine, the guitar work is incredible, and is a great closer. 3.9/5
Other notes:
-The best parts of the CD are at the beginning and end of the CD
-Heavier than Seasons and Animosity
-To check out the Ugly video go to http://roadrunnerrecords.co.uk
Final Rating- 4/5
Btw, this is my first CD review, tell me how i did
SEVENDUST- NEXT
Sevendust Is-
Singer- Lajon Witherspoon
Guitar (Lead Style)- Sonny Mayo
Guitar (Rythym Style)- John Connoly
Bass- Vinny Hornsby
Drums/Screamer- Morgan Rose
