Sevendust - All I see is War

(CD Album Review)

****

Sevendust hit a creative new wave on album number twelve

Quite possibly the most under rated and the hardest working band of their time Sevendust return under a new record label with their twelfth release (Their eleventh proper studio album). Like the majority of bands Sevendust spent their first five albums or so building their sound, and in the last decade have settled into that sound.

Sure there have been experimental elements throughout all their albums but they always maintain a certain familiarity, over the last decade say 2010’s 'Cold day Memory'. The band have been consistent but a little predictable, while never putting out a bad album but they lacked the major bangers of 'Home' or 'Animosity'. 'All I see is War' has the energy and buzz of a band that’s refreshed and back on the top of their game, and it is an album that has really impressed me again.

Kicking off with chugging and energetic 'Dirty', it’s Sevendust with all their distinctive features firing from all cylinders. Big chunky riffs, Morgan Rose’s crazy drum patterns and of course Lajon Witherspoon’s soaring soulful vocals. The band reflect on ageing on the melancholy 'Not Original' a fantastic ballad of sorts actually written during a creative dry spell.

We get that familiar groove on 'Medicated' with again the instantly recognisable chorus that just seeps into your memory, and just sings itself. “God bites his Tongue”. This track has a big bouncy attitude to it, with a catchy as hell riff running throughout. There is also nice and subtle uses of keyboards and piano sprinkled throughout the album also, nothing overpowering just a sprinkling here and there like on 'Moments' for example.

All in all this is the best album Sevendust have done in years, and it boils down to one thing. This is simply a collection of great songs... an effortless listen which rewards repeated plays in droves.The perfect feel good soundtrack to the summer, and I love it.

Review by Joe Denby