Review: Staind – Staind

| Sep 20, 2011 | Comments 3 | Tags:

Rated:

4/5

Considering their increasingly mellow and melodic recent releases, Staind’s seventh album is a shockingly crushing tour de force. The Springfield, Massachusetts, trio has dragged its now familiar mix of Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and old-school Korn back through the gnarled metal grinder that spit out their first two albums, 1996’s Tormented and 1999’s Dysfunction. Clearly pissed, frontman Aaron Lewis punctuates his emotive croon with a long-neglected gut-wrenching scream, while lead guitarist Mike Mushok rips out several respectable solos. Standouts include opener “Eyes Wide Open,” with its “Mudshovel”-like bass rumble, the caustic “Not Again,” and the Tool-esque track “The Bottom.” A welcome surprise. JEREMY BORJON


  • Yes

    I think a different record…

  • Yes

    I think a different record…

  • Rick

    I enjoy it, I’m a pretty die hard Staind and A. Lewis fan. I heard a few tracks before it came out and was impressed. As a whole the album is very good. I really loved the last track and the extra two live tracks are damn good.