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Sevendust - Next Audio CD

A fair review of the Sevendust "Next" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Sevendust reviews here, or go back to the Sevendust tabs.

Sevendust Band: Sevendust
Title: Next
Rating:
Release Date: 2005-10-11
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Hero 2: Ugly 3: Pieces 4: Silence 5: This Life 6: Failure 7: See and Believe 8: The Last Song 9: Desertion 10: Never 11: Shadows In Red

5th release takes a step back to their earlier days.
I was worried about them losing Clint Lowery, because he had a great guitar sound and wrote some great riffs. As you've probably read in the other reviews, this was the first album on their new label, and the first album with new guitarist, Sonny Mayo. While Mayo is most definitely NOT Lowery, he nonetheless delivers some exceptional guitar playing, and you almost don't notice the change. Almost. The main difference I see between this cd and previous ones, is that it lacks the instrumental hooks that were abundant on their other releases. That's not to say they aren't there, but they just aren't as obvious to the listener. It almost seems awkward at times, like they are still trying to gel with Mayo after playing with Lowery for so long. Lajon's vocals are top-notch as always, and the cd is worth buying for that reason alone.
Despite some short-comings in the hook department, there is not a bad song on the album. It is a solid listen from front to back, and you probably won't be skipping any songs. The singles "Ugly" and "Pieces" are probably the two best songs on here. The main thing you'll notice, I think, is that these songs won't stick in your head like previous favorites, such as: "Denial", "Praise", "Bitch" and "Enemy". However, this is still light years better than most music being released on the heavy music scene. Even though this is my least favorite 7Dust album, it still gets a 4/5 from me.


Overlooked Band and CD
Some of the tracks sound a little repetetive but its still a very good cd. Typical Sevendust fare, and being a fan that isnt a bad thing. . Sevendust sound fresher here than they did on 'Seasons'. . and they are supposedly going back to an all out heavy direction(now), which hopefully doesnt sound forced. . This album delivers and they also know how to make a good ballad, Especially the final track on this cd. Gorgeous and beautifully sung. I didnt give the cd much of a chance when it came out, but i must say it is damn good! Now i feel like i have 2 new Sevendust cds to look forward to, this one and the one that will be released shortly. Hopefully that will put them back on the map. .

I will never understand why so many bands try to go in the more commercial direction, especially when the real fans like the heavier and less generic stuff (in other words, the stuff that got you somewhere in the first place). Then they let producers and labels beat them down, well where the hell are those people now while 7dust searches for their 4th label? Sometimes it doesnt pay to make musical changes guys, just stay on the initial right path and hope for the best. . The real fans you usually cant get back!! Something to think about anyway. . . But this cd is better than i thought.


This rocks!
What I like most about this band is their ability to rock hard, yet remain melodic. Though I've heard other Sevendust tunes in the past, this is the only CD I've listened to completely, and I'm impressed. They have strong vocals and harmony, and even throw in a complex ballad or two - not just some cheesy, gratuitous love song. These guys can rock! I am now officially a fan.


Please do not call this metal!!!
It don't need to be heavy to be good, that ain't what i'm saying, Seasons is an awesome album, probably their softest, but this I can't get into. Why in this decade do we call this metal? Don't get me wrong, I like Sevendust, but this album lacks substance. Besides a couple of classic Sevendust tracks like Shadows in Red, Hero and Ugly, this is a strained effort. I'm sorry for all you fans out there, but lets be honest, this is a little substandard.
It cruises along at a pace that makes me feel like i'm listening to a Sevendust B-sides effort!!
I want and expect better from a quality band. Please give me more next time.


Mixed bag...
I think that Lajon has some of the best vocals in metal music that I've ever heard. I've been listening to Sevendust for years. And some of Sevendust's music mixes elements that are unlikely combinations in a metal band - unlikely combinations that help make them stand out from the pile. Combinations like hard core rock with great melodies and sometimes "catchy" tunes, other times raw sounds. Sometimes you don't like what they do. Sometimes you love it.

On the good side, this CD mixes elements of hard core rawness that were most prevalent in their first album with the polish that has been in most of their other albums. As another reviewer mentioned, it'll take some listens to grow on you. But it will.

On the downside, this new CD totally overdoes it with the incoherent, beserk-style screaming. (Somebody suggested it's the drummer who does this. ) Sometimes this aspect of the CD comes out like the proverbial turd in the punch bowl. This screaming has nothing to do with vocal talent. A twelve year old with a bottle of cloraseptic could do it.

The CD has enough good stuff that I listen to it, and just drop the volume or hit the skip button when the screaming is too much. I'll be looking out for their next CD. Hopefully they'll get a producer who can push them to make a better balance in the next CD.


You can see a complete list of all Sevendust discography, or go back to the Sevendust tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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