Staind

First, simply take a glance at the cumulative score this record posted. Out of 99, now 100, this collection of tunes scores over 4.5, because I post it at 5. I've repeatedly listened to them all; every album the group pressed. All speak with a courageous personal voice. The lyrics of Lewis are replete with honest passion and penetrating human feeling. This I honor, and often do not find in the work of many fine bands. In this album they move to what seems an almost primal surge. The power of the complete arrangements is breath-taking. The product summery for this album states that it is "the heaviest most hypnotic." Not only is this a reasonable comment, if one listens, quite clearly this collection is the most seasoned heavy-duty work Staind has provided. I sense, from the lyrics of the parting track, this may be their last. I for one do not wish to leave their space. One review of this album suggests Break the Cycle to have been this bands' "peak." Break the Cycle is harmonically haunting with its' creation of vocal harmonic minor chords, yet it does not stand as the most sophisticated work of the group. Further, another review suggests something along the lines of "these old-dudes looking completely out of place." This seems to suggest that if you pass twenty-five, you shouldn't grind. The blending and coloring of music requires time. Refinement requires time. Shapes are envisioned, and tints added. Music is an art form. It's development, it's flavor, come only in this way. As a general rule I, personally, do not grind non-stop. Melody matters, as does vocal harmony, a talent Staind displayed from the beginning. This sets them apart from the norm. Every other band grinds and screams, sound and fury amounting to absolutely nothing. So, when a band, this band, shows us both blow-dry power, and then slips into the nakedly personal "Something To Remind You," I'm onboard for "Staind." Note to self: all their other albums also sing. For those who have ears.

Energetic, raw, and honest ... this is definitely one of the best hard rock albums of the year. Every track stands its own ground and comes out swinging. These are the sort of songs that made Staind popular in the first place; they make no compromises and knock you flat. Mike Mushok is an extremely underrated guitarist, and his work here provides some of the most potent riffs he has done for the band in years. The guy knows how to SHRED. Aaron Lewis is the most talented, intriguing rock lyricist since Scott Weiland ... although it's hard to pinpoint any single member of Staind as contributing more to the success of this record than another (*despite the arguments and turmoil which reportedly occured during the recording sessions, the finished album provides songs in which all the musicians seem to be working in gutsy unison*).There are a few ballad-type tunes, to be sure - the eerie campfire vibe of 'Something to Remind You' and the tragic slow-burn crush of 'Throw It All Away' - the sort of tunes that alienated a certain amount of Staind's fanbase when "Break the Cycle" exploded onto the charts many years ago. YET some forget that every Staind album has had slower-moving songs, even as far back as their heaviest offering, "Tormented" (see: 'Four Walls'). Tracks like 'Failing' and 'The Bottom' reach a level of chilling honesty which most new rock groups aren't brave enough to even attempt. Their influences on this particular cd are clearly and frequently apparent - comparisons can definitely be made to Alice in Chains, Limp Biskit, Helmet, etc. But these songs are so powerful and solid - and the lyrical content so unflichingly aggressive - that the similarities to other bands seem complimentary and fitting, as opposed to forced or cheap. Staind long ago came into their own in terms of musical/lyrical compositions, surpassing many similar bands that influenced them.Staind has staying power. They have released seven albums and outlasted the majority of their peers. I sincerely hope despite the dwindling support for hard honest rock records, this band will find a way to continue doing what they do.

Staind comes back with a very solid 4.5 star release for their 7th group album; after taking a break of 3years and a month since their last release (making it their longest break in between albums, barely). This is the 6th album of theirs that I own (I don't have their hard to find/rare self-released debut from Nov., 1996, "Tormented"). This one is definitely heavier/harder than their last few releases, but still not quite on the level of their earliest albums. As always you get some very good, deep & personal lyrics/songs as well as some that get you pumped. Shorter than most of their other works, with only 10 songs; you get 3 that are almost classic material, 6 that are good or real good songs, and 1 that I'd say is just average but nothing that I'd skip over & it can easily be listened to from start to finish without skipping any. Compared to their previous albums, I'd say its right up there with the best of them."Dysfunction" --- (4/99) --- 4.5 stars"Break The Cycle" --- (5/01) --- 5/4.5 star (probably my favorite of their albums)"14 Shades of Grey" --- (5/03) --- low 4 stars (my least favorite of theirs)"Chapter V" --- (8/05) --- 4.5 stars"The Illusion of Progress" --- (8/08) --- 4.5/4 stars#1 - 8.5#2 - 9.5#3 - 9#4 - 8.5 (a rarity for them where the lyrics are done hip-hop style)#5 - 9.5#6 - 9.5#7 - 9#8 - 8.5#9 - 8#10 - 7Aaron Lewis (vocals/rhythm guitar) -- b. 4/13/72 -- b. Rutland, VT; moved to Longmeadow, MAMike Mushok (Lead guitar/background vocals) -- b. 4/10/69 -- b. Manhasset, NY; moved to Ludlow, MAJohnny April (Bass guitar/background vocals) -- b. 3/27/65 -- Enfield, CTJon Wysocki (drums) -- b. 1/17/71 -- b. Northampton, MA; moved to Westfield, MACheck all my reviews

Ok

Als Staindfan seit frühen Zeiten waren die letzten beiden Alben leider nicht so ganz das was man sich erhofft. Insbesondere "Illusion of progress" war doch viel zu 08/15 und ohne Biss.Das hat sich jetzt aber wieder geändert, es wird wieder geshouted und die Gitarren krachen wieder. Die Staindtypischen Songs mit ruhigen und härteren Teilen (und immer einem C-Teil) sind wieder zurück.Teilweise sind Knaller dabei, die auch auf "Dysfunctional" drauf sein können wie "Throw it all away" (ein geiles Riff, reicht für den ganzen Song) oder "Failing".Den Rapversuch von "Wannabe" lass ich jetzt einfach mal unter den Tisch fallen, dafür muss man jetzt nicht gleich einen Stern abziehen, da der Song insgesamt akzeptabel ist.Die deluxe edition enthält noch eine DVD (making of, habe ich nicht geschaut) und 2 Live tracks, die man jetzt nicht zwingend haben muss, verlängern aber die nicht gerade überlange CD Laufzeit recht angenehm (die Liveversion von "For you" ist schon recht beeindruckend, aber live sind Staind eh eine Macht).Kurzum: Kommerziell ist anders, es ist auch kein Top10 Hit Kandidat ala "Its been awhile" dabei, aber als Staindfan ist es ein Pflichtkauf, den man nicht bereuen wird.

Back in 2001, Staind were on top of the world. Their "Break The Cycle" album topped the album charts back then both here in the UK and the US and broke the band into the musical mainstream. It went on to sell around eight million copies worldwide.Fast forward ten years then, Staind's popularity has gradually been waning. Perhaps not helped by their changed in musical direction, each album has become more and more commercial, and although still heavy, a far cry from their heavy metal roots with Aaron's screaming vocals.I personally enjoyed their last album though, there's some great songs on "The Illusion Of Progress," but it wasn't for everyone and it resulted in Staind's lowest selling album to date.So, with their self titled seventh studio album Staind have gone right back to basics. It's there heaviest record since "Break The Cycle," it's exceptionally loud, and rocks very hard. Aaron's screaming vocal abilities are back on nearly all the tracks, the melodies are tight and controlled, it's easily Staind's best album for over a decade.Opening track "Open Your Eyes" (along with Paper Wings) is the heaviest track here, screaming everywhere but still Staind fit in one of the catchiest choruses I've heard in any of their tracks. Lead single "Come Again" is more melodic and an excellent single choice, before mainstream rockers "Throw It All Away" and "Now" carry on the rocking momentum."The Bottom," itself an excellent song that found its way onto the Transformers 3 soundtrack is classic Staind, the only track for me that perhaps sounds a little uncomfortable is "Wannabe," questionable lyrics with an almost "rap rock" sound, it doesn't really fit.Just when you think Staind aren't going to throw in the customary rock ballad, closing track "Something To Remind You" is brilliantly emotional and moving in its delivery, a superb way to close a brilliant record.In summary "Staind" is an immense record. Fans longing for the heavy Staind to return have just had their wish granted. Forget "The Illusion Of Progress," "Chapter V" or even "14 Shades Of Grey," this record sounds nothing like any of those.It's the Staind from ten years ago, and they sound better than ever.Without doubt "Staind" is the best metal album you will hear this year.

Great band great music Well established band This is there seventh release No radical change in their musical style from previous releases but what they do they do so well So thus lots of heavy strident guitar links playing in front of a powerful mix of up front bass playing and heavy loud drumming. All this great music is delivered in style and panache by the brilliant vocals of Aeron Lewis. Good stylistic changes incorporated in to the tracks. Thus heavy loud bombastic songs share the same cd space as giueter more melodic songs Great stuff Good artwork cover Listen and enjoy

WONDERFUL ALBUM.. AND SO LAST TIME, WRITTEN..AARON LEWIS..AT THE STAIND, FOR OUR...AND... YOUR....PLEASURE . GOOD LISTEN!!!!I....IT'S MARVELLOUS...VERY MUCH,......FOR ME!!!!!!!FOLLOW MY ADVICE...NOT TANKLESS!!!!!PLEASE!!!!!!!YOU CAN BELIEVE ME!!!!!!