Staind returns with perhaps one of the most dynamic albums of their careers.
Staind are back. This is their first release in 12 years and as a long time fan, I feel like they've exceeded all expectations. First off, Confessions of the Fallen hits much more like the Break The Cycle through Illusion of Progress era. The band's last release, Self Titled, found the outfit on the verge of a meltdown. Long time drummer, John Wysocki, exited the band and the remaining members found themselves heading in different directions. Cut to 2023. Lewis has several successful country albums under his belt. Mike Mushok has been exorcising his musical demons with Saint Asonia (and formerly NEWSTED). While many of the band's that come from the same era have really dropped off or just disappeared, Staind have quietly returned to form.
When Staind announced they were working on a new album, I think expectations in the industry were tempered. Would this be a country tinged rock radio album? or would the band (like so many before them) go the safe fan service route? I'm happy to say it's neither.
I primarily steer clear of listening to singles these days by my favorite bands prior to the full album drop. But I couldn't help myself this time and I was pleased with all three singles. All had their individual strengths and clearly demonstrated the signature fans could expect of the band. They even released a tearjerker of a video for one of the three singles, Here and Now, that is timely and relatable to so many of the band's fans. The video depicts the emotional toil that Alzheimer's takes upon family and the individuals suffering the disease. The comments for the video were later posted by the band as a testament to what the band's music means to their fans.
SO today is release day. I've streamed the album three full times and have relistened to several specific tracks. I can say that this an amazing album. This just may be their strongest album since Breaking the Cycle. If you're looking for a lighthearted and upbeat album, look elsewhere. This is an album full of introspection and dealing with trauma. Much like their earliest albums, the lyrics bare raw emotion and reflect on the personal chaos of someone really going through sh*t.
This review will focus on the non singles, as a first reaction. "Out of Time" was the first of the non singles that really stood out to me. This is a dynamic track where the band infuses a real modern sound with digital drums and an echoey production. While it may not have been intentional, I feel a Linkin Park/Chester Bennington influence on this. The next stand out was "The Fray", this hits hard. This track has a NIN vibe in the background and takes us down a musical journey. Lewis hits all the marks especially when he delivers a very guttural chorus only to come back with his calm delivery right after. "Better Days" is the lightest song on this album. It's the one track on the album I want to hear delivered acoustically. If there is a mainstream radio hit on this album, this may be the one. This may even cross over to Lewis's country ventures as well. It's the one track on this album, where there is a light at the end of the tunnel. "Hate Me Too" dives right back into the deep end of the feels. It deals with the self-loathing feelings that come from being addicted to chaos and the toxicity of relationships. "If you don't love me, I don't blame you, I know me better and I hate me too" may be some of the most "punch in the gut" lyrics I've heard in a long time.
The band closes out the album with an incredible track, "Confession of the Fallen". The track begins with a Queen of the Damned soundtrack vibe musically. It hits hard quickly. Mushok's driving riffs and incredible solo break up the song in all of the right places. Lewis's lyrics are extremely confessional(no pun intended) and once again so relatable. Despite all of our best efforts, many times we fall short, we're not all evil or good. Sometimes we feel like we're damned if we do and damned if we don't. Essentially left with the "Devil on both shoulders".
Staind reign supreme as far as bands that were spawned during the nu metal/limp biskit era of the 90's and early 2000's. This album is a testament to their ability to craft strong songwriting while keeping their feet deeply imprinted in aggressive rock. This may be the first album since "Break the Cycle" where they really take the governors off and let things land where they may. There is no filler on this album and it's the perfect length. For a band that takes years off between recording, this album proves quality over quantity.
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