Tag Archives: sevendust

“Next” by Sevendust

Artist: Sevendust
Title: “Next”
Label: Winedark Records
Release Date: 10/11/2005
Genre: Heavy Metal
Rating: 8/10

Sevendust returns in a triumphant fashion with two drastic changes to their existence. The first major change is the switching of record label from longtime TVT Records to the Winedark Records family of artists. This was interesting as the band had recorded “Next” on their own with no label until meeting the Winedark folks. The second major change is the addition of Sonny Mayo (former Snot) on guitar. He is great for the lineup and now there is an even fuller sound to their music. He also seems to fit right in with the rest of the group in their style of playing. For those that have not followed Sevendust before this new album is the perfect jumping on point. In its content are a number of fist-pumping head bangers as well as some truly moving tracks. The CD draws you in quick with “Hero” and showcases the power of Lajon Witherspoon right off the bat. He is accompanied by the maniacal shrieks of drummer Morgan Rose and on top of this there is such a great sense of harmony in all the songs in general. Switching dynamics from hard edged to softer is unheard of in “Nu Metal” groups and for too long I feel Sevendust has been lumped into this category. There might be some “Nu” styling, but overall this is a great Metal band with killer guitar work and drumming. Tracks like “This Life” and “Failure” are impressive and not what I expected from Sevendust at all since they lean more towards the power ballad side. “Shadows In Red” is perhaps the most subtle number on the album with a more acoustic feel. It’s a great chance to see the capabilities of these guys and a fine example of their musical maturity. However should slow numbers not win you over there is a severe ass-kicking in tracks like “The Last Song” and “Pieces”. There is a lot of great guitar by John Connolly to enjoy on these songs especially. Their overall intensity really makes you want to be in the pit while they are performed. As you listen to “Silence” and “Ugly” you will feel that they should be on the radio stations that feature heavy music because they are that accessible.
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Mudvayne @ Nokia Theatre Times Square (11/30/2005)

Logo - Mudvayne

Artist: Mudvayne
Venue: Nokia Theatre Times Square
Opener: Sevendust
Date: 11/30/2005
Label: Sony Music

Called “The Masters Of Horror” tour; Mudvayne would be performing a headlining set once again and in addition to the continued support of their release “Lost & Found” the band was also hot off their appearance on Ozzfest. They would also be showcasing their contributions to “The Masters Of Horror” program which currently airs on Showtime and takes the Horror film industry’s greatest directors and gives them an hour to work with. Directors have been John Carpenter and John Landis among many others and Mudvayne was one of the many bands whose music is appearing in the program. Developments in the bands career like these escalate their exposure in fantastic ways. Joining the band would be 10 Years, Bobaflex and the one and only Sevendust. I had just covered Mudvayne a few months ago and was really interested in seeing Sevendust live after so many years of hearing their music. I would miss the 10 Years and Bobaflex set but there will be plenty more times to catch them I am certain.
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