Speaking of which, “MONSTERS” is a vivid reminder we all have our crosses to bear, and yes, we are all flawed.Īt this point the story really has begun taking shape and perhaps the most telling track comes with “DARKSIDE” which pulls no punches literally saying, “ Don’t be so quick to judge,” something easy to do when hiding behind a cell phone tweeting hate at will. Then, “PYRO” is very much a metaphor for the actions of us as a culture, burning bridges with everyone we know and love, as Smith fearless sings, “Am I a hypocrite for saying I ain’t feeling this?” – almost a death sentence now a days, in a time where it is think like I think or you are condemned to be an outcast. With their finger on the pulse of the current climate of the world, particularly America, where everyone is flinging dirt in one another’s faces over differences, the past, or whatever it may be, “KILL YOUR CONSCIENCE” is another telling track exemplified by Smith’s emotional delivery. This theme follows on songs such as “ATTENTION ATTENTION” where Smith almost takes on a Rap style vocal in the verse before a larger than life chorus. “BLACK SOUL” continues the theme heard in the previous cut as Smith forces you, the listener, to confront your prejudices, almost as if to say – get off your high horse and stop acting as if you are better than anyone else. Catchy, intense, and headbanging, it sets the table for what is to come.
Here Smith, Guitarist Zach Myers, Bass, and Drummer Barry Kerch solidify they are still very much a Hard Rock band ready to make some noise. From there it leads into the albums first single, “DEVIL,” a heavy opening piece of music. It all starts with a short interlude of footsteps walking into a room, the central hub for our story.
Furthermore, the album is a concept piece, but not in the traditional sense of the word, more in a centralized theme focusing on the threat we face as we draw closer and closer to losing our humanity.Ĭonsisting of 14 tracks, it is very precise by nature, with the message underlined, and capitalized, in each title. No, it is not really a politically driven record at all, but it is more one that stops you in your tracks, grabs hold of your shoulders, looks you in the eyes, and pleads for your attention – hence the almost prementive warning capitalize title, ATTENTION ATTENTION. The product of Lead Lyricist and Vocalist Brent Smith, this go around he decides to be even bolder, drafting songs which challenge who we are as a society. That in mind, it should not come as a surprise that as they return with their sixth studio album, produced by Bassist Eric Bass, that they are as razor sharp as ever, delivering an intense sound.Īgain, despite what some naysayers may tell you, Shinedown has always composed songs that go straight for the gut – personal, real, and right from the heart. Honestly, if they do appeal to the mainstream while doing it, then they are doing something right. Well, anyone who has actually been listening knows that is the furthest thing from the truth and Shinedown are, and will always be, a Hard Rock act. As if it is almost a dirty word to say ‘mainstream,’ some may say singles such as 2008’s “Second Chance” is what gave the band the stigmata of being less dangerous in the first place. Right on schedule, coming three years following the success of 2015’s Threat to Survival, it would be easy for Shinedown to go soft, seeing they have a broad appeal to the mainstream. Known for their powerful and often uplifting songs, Shinedown are set to return with their new studio album, ATTENTION ATTENTION, on Friday, via their longtime label, Atlantic Records.
0 kommentar(er)
