Album Review: Sevendust – “All I See Is War”

Sevendust is one of the most underrated bands in the scene. For the past 20 plus years, the band has been consistently putting out good music, but All I See Is War may just be their best album yet. The 12 tracks on the band’s twelfth release are softer than the music that Sevendust has released in the past, but in no way do they lack a bite. Opening track “Dirty” comes right for you with a really fast opening; it is not brutal – like some of their tracks have been in the past – but it packs a serious punch in a different way. Vocalist Lajon Witherspoon, one of the best in the game, delivers powerful vocals from the first note. This track also has an impressive guitar solo courtesy of guitarist Clint Lowery. “Unforgiven” is one of the best tracks on the album. Supported by more impressive guitar in the background, unforgiving bass, and really heavy drums, Witherspoon delivers the lyrics soulfully. “Life Deceives You,” another highlight on the album, toes the thin line between hard rock and metal. With this song, the screaming backup vocals are not really necessary; between the music and Witherspoon’s delivery, the message comes across perfectly and the backup vocals kind of take away from that. Even with that, though, it is still one of the best tracks on the album.

Comparing All I see Is War to Sevendust’s previous releases, you can definitely hear that the sound has evolved. Their debut self-titled album, although a good debut, sounded like a debut. What was great about that album, besides the potential that it had, was the heart and soul that Sevendust put into it. Similarly to that debut, it feels like every member of Sevendust poured their heart and soul into the music. While it may be a departure from the music that they have released in the past, it shows that Sevendust is continuing to grow as a band and refusing to settle. All I See Is War does not sound like a previous album that was re-recorded with some fancy solos added here and there, then wrapped up and presented with a bow as if it was brand new. It is a solid release from a great band and is very highly recommended.

–

Post by Karen Shalev

What did you think of this album? Comment below.

[contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”1″ /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”1″ /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Comment” type=”textarea” required=”1″ /][/contact-form]