It’s been awhile, isn’t it? Actually, many just never heard of them before and after “Break the Cycle” and justifiably or not, Staind was labeled by most as one hit wonders, but anyway, as one of the followers and not the leaders of the nu-metal wave. Anyway, definitively I skipped some of their albums lately. Scheduled to be released on September 13, 2011, “Staind”, the seventh upcoming album marks the return to the band’s heavier sound that was predominate on their earlier two albums, “Tormented” (1996) and “Dysfunction” (1999). Juggling between nu metal (Pantera/Korn/Limp Bizkit) heavy riffing and gloomy grunge (Alice In Chains/Pearl Jam) and post-grunge schemes, the 10 new tracks of Aaron Lewis and his band mates are a collection of so-called modern and alternative metal elements and cliches, but still, Staind have some excellent riffs, strong themes and the skill and ability to write catchy and powerful songs.
“Eyes Wide Open” open the record with nu and groove metal fury, the powerful, cutting edge riffs having the main role. “Not Again” seems to be a power ballad, post-grunge aromas are combined with an explosive chorus and some nervous riffs. Somehow it makes me regret that I skipped some albums in the past 10 years, Staind definitively have the guts and inspiration to deliver quality metal. On the other hand, still, somehow have that feeling that they are still trendriders. “Failing” reminds me of Alice In Chains, it’s between a ballad and a contorted nightmare, but not very convincing, we all had heard this or something this-like before. “Wannabe” kick off riffs and Aaron Lewis rapping over his lyrics, it’s kind of odd, Lewis is not Fred Durst, but the song have a definitively Limp Bizkit like groove and leading riff while the chorus have more a post-grunge taste. “Throw It All Away” slowing down the tempo again, it sounds like Pearl Jam with some heavier riffs, maybe teenagers and collage radio stations will love it, but it’s pretty tasteless for my ears. “Take a Breath” is a medium rock/metal track, pretty pale, there’s nothing really to hang on to and feels like fill up. “The Bottom” keeps the medium tempo, it’s even slower, but heavier and have some noisy, industrial sound inserts, it’s gloomy and contorted, tensioned and heavy. “Now” starts faster, but it’s also a mixture of grunge/post-grunge gloominess and already heard (heavy) metal riffs. “Paper Wings” is another angrier, more raging metal song, this darker and heavier side of Staind sounds less fake. “Something to Remind You” is the ballad I can live without, except the strong voice of Aaron Lewis there’s absolutely nothing there, not even a shred of feeling…
