It's been a while..... since we last heard from Staind, but they're back making music againnnnn!
The 90s grunge-come-mainstream rockers commenced their highly-anticipated return from hiatus with lead single 'Lowest In Me' which set up the foundations for their forthcoming 8th studio album Confessions of the Fallen, set for release on September 15. The moody song serves as the album's opening track and instantly we're transported back to the mid-90s with a familiar sound and vocal performance from frontman Aaron Lewis including some pretty decent screams that'll awaken the former grunge-head in you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0Nm-yx9CLg
Now, the boys are back with the new single 'Cycle of Hurting' which continues in a similar vein to their first release, complete with Lewis' nu-metal esque delivery with drummer Sal Giancarelli bashing away on the kit behind him. The screams are crisp and so far we're sitting at 2/2 winners for the comeback kings - proving you can't keep an old dog band down.
Lyrically, the album draws upon the dark, reflective places Lewis has always mined in Staind's songs, and the 10 new offerings are as personal as he's ever been, as he shares:
“I'm still working through my issues... Still working through my problems, and until then I'll dream of better days. I hope that's how everybody feels right now...better days are yet to come.”
You may think of Staind as a one-hit-radio-wonder, but there is so much more to this group and their presence was definitely missed since they embarked on their initial break back in 2012 (popping momentarily back up in 2014 and 2017). Could this be the reinvigoration Staind need to continue adding to their already impressive resume? It's shaping up to appear that way!
Words by Paul ‘Browny’ Brown @brownypaul
STAIND is Aaron Lewis (lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist), Mike Mushok (lead guitar), Johnny April (bassist/backing vocals), and Sal Giancarelli (drums).
Pre-order Confessions of the Fallen here
Staind - Confessions of the Fallen tracklisting
1. Lowest In Me
2. Was Any of it Real?
3. Here and Now
4. In This Condition
5. Out of Time
6. Cycle of Hurting
7. The Fray
8. Better Days
9. Hate Me Too
10. Confessions of the Fallen
