Sevendust - Black Out The Sun

I've never liked this band until now maybe it is that my tastes have evolved to enjoy their brand of heavy metal. The intro track "Memory" is pretty typical as an intro the nu-metal mayhem is unleashed with the stop start stumble rythm that quickly drops down into emo mode for a verse and then returns to the stumble with a little more aggresive vocals and we are caught in the Nirvana grunge loop of loud soft loud soft loud nausium. So far this not a worthwhile journey but it has only just begun so of course I continue to listen to Black Out The Sun to see it to its ultimate conclusion.

The next track is a great slice of dirgy nu-metal that kicks off with a little death vocal the blows up into a very melodic chorus. I'm not a major fan of the bands lyrics and honestly prefer it when the death or scream-o style is blasting from my speakers because it has a nice sonic texture and melodic quality I really like. Sevendust’s balance of aggression and melody are showcased on "Mountain", which has a southern feel to it, along with "Cold As War" and the very groovy "Nobody Wants It".

The disc’s lead single, ‘Decay,’ is a prime example of Sevendust’s combination of harmonious melodies and pummeling guitars. The song is one of the albums best tracks as it combines their sounds perfectly and isn't forgettable as much of this album turned out to be. The one track that I've gone back to multiple times is "Dark AM" I just really dig the energy and melodic synapses. I wish this band would explore more AIC territory and in so include the pop sensibilities they can blend into their sound as shown on "Dark AM" and to a bit lesser degree "Decay".

Witherspoon’s soulful vocal could put this band in the same league as Shinedown or Tantric if they would just fully realize they have the skill to unleash a very commercial CD and grow their fan base. I absolutely love "Got A Feeling" the crisp production on the acoustic guitars is flawless. I'm again not impressed with the lyrical content and their religious bend but anyone that knows me will know that. The long player comes to it's climax with "Murder Bar" that has a pretty kick ass groove but lacks some in the thunder department and could benefit with more bottom end.

Overall this album is a decent one and the first time I've really given the band an indepth listen. It doesn't make me want to go seek out their previous material in anyway but I do enjoy this one and will add "Dark AM" and "Decay" to my I-pood for more listens.