Shinedown – Sound Of Madness
Originally released in June 2008 the Sound Of Madness is US rockers Shinedown’s 3rd album.
Relativity unknown in UK the roumers began to surface in late 2008 that these guys were something special.
In Jan 09 the small concert venue in London that was booked had to be moved to a bigger building to contain their ever growing fan base. This was largely down to the song Second Chance getting heavy rotation on metal channel Scuzz.
The bands new found popularity prompted their label to re-release Sounds Of Madness in early March 09. The re-release has 13 songs which include 2 UK Bonus tracks (but for some reason no longer has the bands biggest hit Second Chance?) and is a superb collection of heavy rock & melodic tunes . One song even contains a full orchestra.
In front man Brent Smith they have someone who can not only write great songs but also has the voice to match those excellent lyrics. Smith can match his voice perfectly to the tempo of the song which is what’s needed as the album goes from heavy to mellow and back again.
The album kicks off with 3 fast paced songs (Devour, Sound Of Madness & Cry For Help) and only takes a moment to slow down during the albums 4th song The Crow & The Butterfly.
Shinedown seem at home with any type of song but I think they sound best in the slower moments. Don’t get me wrong I love heavy & fast songs but if a band can do a slower song well that to me that’s the sign of a great band.
Another reason for me to say that they seem best during slower moments is during Call Me the band use a full orchestra and are obviously proud of it.
Smith said “we wanted to push out the boundaries on this album. We wanted to think this isn’t possible then record the impossible.”
If you are thinking that maybe Shinedown are another Daughtry or Hinder think again because when they rock they rock. The bonus song The Energy is testament to that. A truly great rock song that I can’t believe was left of the original.
I don’t know why the song Second Chance is left off the re-release and it seems that its only available on the import copy. This is another excellent song so check out Scuzz as this song has to be heard.
2009 seems like it’s going to be huge for Shinedown. The have been hyped up but have the songs to back up that hype. The first great (re)release of 2009 is now out there.
My rating: 8/10
Track listing:
Devour
Sound Of Madness
Cry For Help
The Crow & The Butterfly
If You Only Knew
Sin With A Grin
What A Shame
Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide
Breaking Inside
Call Me
I Own You
The Energy
Son Of Sam
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