QUOTE
It's been 10 years since the release of Sevendust's self-titled debut album. Anyone who's been following them over the years knows that they've come a long way. The album introduced us to the unique sound that made us fall in love with them. They combined melodic, yet powerful vocals; pummeling drums; thick and crushing guitar riffs; and some undeniably catchy and original song writing in a way no one had heard before. No one band has come close to capturing the raw, heavy energy that Sevendust has created for themselves, and it's likely that no one ever will.
1999 saw the band moving forward with the release of it's sophmore album, Home. It was definately a heavier album than it's predecessor, strongly supported by the guitarists' ability to write truly outstanding songs with single-chord leading guitar riffs, which the band is still known for today. 2 years later, their 3rd record, Animosity, showed how the band could greatly diversify their already-solid sound. They proved they could write some absolutely beautiful ballads, like Angel's Son. However, the band had still not lost its heavy roots, as the album contains some of the band's heaviest material they've ever put out. Another 2 years go by, and Sevendust releases it's fourth studio outting, Seasons. With the help of the hit single "Enemy", Seasons was a commercial hit. It's no doubt the album was more mainstream and accessable than anything they've put out, but it did not cost them fans, and it earned them many new ones. During the final tour in support of Seasons at the end of 2004, ex-guitarist Clint Lowery abruptly left the band with more than a few shows remaining, to join his brother, Cory, to form Dark New Day. Although Lowery was a crucial member to the song writing, the remaining members did not give up, and began searching for a new guitarist. Months later, it was announced that ex-Snot/Amen/(hed) p.e. guiarist Sonny Mayo was officially the new guitarist. Late 2005 sees the release of Sevendust's fifth album, Next. For many, Next turned out to be somewhat of a dissapointment, but a majority of fans still loved it. Mayo had definately influenced a new sound on this album, and demonstrated what we could be expecting from the band in the future.
It is now 2007, a mere year and a half after the release of Next, and Sevendust have just released it's 6th album, Alpha. 6 albums is really a milestone these days. The band members had previously stated that they were going for real heavy sound this time, reminiscent to the sound contained on their first 3 cd's. Well, I can easily say that they have succeeded in their goal on every level. Alpha opens up with a brutal vocal introduction from frontman Lajon Witherspoon, backed by powerful bass-driven guitar riifs on the song "Deathstar". The opening track remains consistantly heavy throughout. Infact, much of the album is the same way, making for the heaviest album Sevendust has written to date. Songs like "Suffer" , "Beg To Differ", and the punishing title track are some great examples of just how heavy this alt-metal juggernaut can really get. Most tracks include the classic melodic vocal choruses and hooks flawlessly performed by Witherspoon, such as current radio hit, "Driven", "Under" and "Agression" (which, oddly enough, is the least aggressive track on the entire cd). The presence of drummer Morgan Rose's signature backing screams makes itself quite known, as usual. It's also pretty obvious that there was a little more experimenting this time around. They tried out several new ideas to add to their sound, while also further perfecting their other aspects. The biggest change of all was the track "Burn", a 9-minute epic that has the band delving into an entirely new territory for them. The song opens with a slow, distorted harmonic guitar tune, then shifts into a furiously heavy and fast-paced verse. The chorus of "Burn" is arguably the catchiest and most beautiful thing Witherspoon has ever sang. The second half of the song is much slower, and is dominated by a piano, along with other experimental sounds and instruments, and the soothing, melodic singing of Witherspoon. I'd say "Burn" is my favorite track on Alpha. Closing track, "Alpha", is something new as well. While it is, with no question, one of the most devastating songs the band has ever done, the sound is slightly different, with some crazy, borderline-thrash riffs and explosive vocal performances from both Witherspoon and Rose.
Like I said earlier, this is easily the heaviest material they have ever put out. The guitar riffing, overall, is more technical than ever, and Mayo had a huge hand in the writing process this time around, so he could add his own touch to songs. The drumming sounds top-notch, especially with Rose's wider use of a double-bass. The whole record is wonderfully produced and it all ends up sounding brilliant. The only qualms I really have with the album is that some ideas are recyled several times throughout the album, making for a somewhat repetitious experience. However, after listening to the cd a few times, it seems much less so than at first. Other than that, I have no other real issues with Alpha.
I believe Sevendust have finally done it. Alpha is their masterpiece. It's a career-defining achievement much deserved for a band that has gone through as much sh** and worked as hard as they have. They have always stayed true to their sound and have never sold out for money or fame. Alpha is THE Sevendust album to own, if you must own just one (Get them all, anyway). I'm hoping future albums from this legendary 5-piece will end up as strong and powerful as "Alpha" has.
Sevendust - "Alpha" ---- 9.5/10
1999 saw the band moving forward with the release of it's sophmore album, Home. It was definately a heavier album than it's predecessor, strongly supported by the guitarists' ability to write truly outstanding songs with single-chord leading guitar riffs, which the band is still known for today. 2 years later, their 3rd record, Animosity, showed how the band could greatly diversify their already-solid sound. They proved they could write some absolutely beautiful ballads, like Angel's Son. However, the band had still not lost its heavy roots, as the album contains some of the band's heaviest material they've ever put out. Another 2 years go by, and Sevendust releases it's fourth studio outting, Seasons. With the help of the hit single "Enemy", Seasons was a commercial hit. It's no doubt the album was more mainstream and accessable than anything they've put out, but it did not cost them fans, and it earned them many new ones. During the final tour in support of Seasons at the end of 2004, ex-guitarist Clint Lowery abruptly left the band with more than a few shows remaining, to join his brother, Cory, to form Dark New Day. Although Lowery was a crucial member to the song writing, the remaining members did not give up, and began searching for a new guitarist. Months later, it was announced that ex-Snot/Amen/(hed) p.e. guiarist Sonny Mayo was officially the new guitarist. Late 2005 sees the release of Sevendust's fifth album, Next. For many, Next turned out to be somewhat of a dissapointment, but a majority of fans still loved it. Mayo had definately influenced a new sound on this album, and demonstrated what we could be expecting from the band in the future.
It is now 2007, a mere year and a half after the release of Next, and Sevendust have just released it's 6th album, Alpha. 6 albums is really a milestone these days. The band members had previously stated that they were going for real heavy sound this time, reminiscent to the sound contained on their first 3 cd's. Well, I can easily say that they have succeeded in their goal on every level. Alpha opens up with a brutal vocal introduction from frontman Lajon Witherspoon, backed by powerful bass-driven guitar riifs on the song "Deathstar". The opening track remains consistantly heavy throughout. Infact, much of the album is the same way, making for the heaviest album Sevendust has written to date. Songs like "Suffer" , "Beg To Differ", and the punishing title track are some great examples of just how heavy this alt-metal juggernaut can really get. Most tracks include the classic melodic vocal choruses and hooks flawlessly performed by Witherspoon, such as current radio hit, "Driven", "Under" and "Agression" (which, oddly enough, is the least aggressive track on the entire cd). The presence of drummer Morgan Rose's signature backing screams makes itself quite known, as usual. It's also pretty obvious that there was a little more experimenting this time around. They tried out several new ideas to add to their sound, while also further perfecting their other aspects. The biggest change of all was the track "Burn", a 9-minute epic that has the band delving into an entirely new territory for them. The song opens with a slow, distorted harmonic guitar tune, then shifts into a furiously heavy and fast-paced verse. The chorus of "Burn" is arguably the catchiest and most beautiful thing Witherspoon has ever sang. The second half of the song is much slower, and is dominated by a piano, along with other experimental sounds and instruments, and the soothing, melodic singing of Witherspoon. I'd say "Burn" is my favorite track on Alpha. Closing track, "Alpha", is something new as well. While it is, with no question, one of the most devastating songs the band has ever done, the sound is slightly different, with some crazy, borderline-thrash riffs and explosive vocal performances from both Witherspoon and Rose.
Like I said earlier, this is easily the heaviest material they have ever put out. The guitar riffing, overall, is more technical than ever, and Mayo had a huge hand in the writing process this time around, so he could add his own touch to songs. The drumming sounds top-notch, especially with Rose's wider use of a double-bass. The whole record is wonderfully produced and it all ends up sounding brilliant. The only qualms I really have with the album is that some ideas are recyled several times throughout the album, making for a somewhat repetitious experience. However, after listening to the cd a few times, it seems much less so than at first. Other than that, I have no other real issues with Alpha.
I believe Sevendust have finally done it. Alpha is their masterpiece. It's a career-defining achievement much deserved for a band that has gone through as much sh** and worked as hard as they have. They have always stayed true to their sound and have never sold out for money or fame. Alpha is THE Sevendust album to own, if you must own just one (Get them all, anyway). I'm hoping future albums from this legendary 5-piece will end up as strong and powerful as "Alpha" has.
Sevendust - "Alpha" ---- 9.5/10
