Sevendust - "Next" (7Bros./Roadrunner)

Without a shadow of a doubt, Sevendust's Next is one of my albums of the year (it was tough to choose between this and Silvertide's Show And Tell). Sevendust have been going from strength to strength over the course of their five album career, consistently releasing better and better albums. Their debut was treading familiar water for the times, but certainly since Animosity, the band has carved out their own, distinctive and immersive sound.

Very much rooted in the scene of America’s Southern States (Dark New Day, Stereomud, Drowning Pool, and so forth), but with the added x-factor that is Lajon Witherspoon – possibly the best vocalist in metal today (if not ever).

“Hero” opens the album with some well aimed fury and anger, starting the album in a way that harks back to first two albums Sevendust and Home.

Able to switch seamlessly from gruff barks to crooning soul-infused singing, Lajon brings the greatest dimension the band’s sound. The singing is similar to Howard Jones’ (Killswitch Engage), but far more sonorous and powerful.

Guitarist John Connolly’s riffs are superb throughout the album, adding muscled tones and textures to this album, complementing Lajon’s vocal styles and the rhythm section perfectly. New-boy Sonny Mayo (formerly of Snot and Amen) also lays down some superb riffs, fitting nicely into the hole left by departed Clint Lowery (he went on to join Dark New Day). Still no guitar solos, another fact that help them stand out from the current glut of NWOAHM and Metalcore bands.

The rhythm section throbs, rumbles and thunders their way throughout the album. Drummer Morgan Rose also adds some more extreme screams to certain songs (such as the aforementioned “Hero”).

It’s not clear whether this album will allow Sevendust the chance to enjoy the mainstream success they so rightly deserve, but with ever greater acceptance of heavier music, it beginning to look more and more likely every day.

Picking individual songs that you should check out is difficult, as the album works best taken as a whole, single piece of work. “Ugly”, “This Life” and “Pieces” are excellent cuts, though, if you want to start somewhere.

Melody, power, skill and style. One of the few perfect metal records.

www.sevendust.com