Not many bands that started off within the mid-Nineties are nonetheless round and, for essentially the most half, have the identical lineup. SEVENDUST are one of many fortunate few.

SEVENDUST — which brings collectively lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon, guitarist Clint Lowery, guitarist John Connolly, bass participant Vince Hornsby and drummer Morgan Rose — launched in 1997, their self-titled debut album got here out earlier than a few of their present followers had been even born. With only a few lineup adjustments over time, SEVENDUST have maintained a gentle house within the metallic world, buoyed by consistently touring and commonly releasing new music. Now, the Grammy-nominated band have returned with their 14th studio album, “Fact Killer”, which marks their first album since 2020’s “Blood & Stone”.

SEVENDUST‘s blueprint is mixing heavy-yet-melodic instrumentals with vocalist Lajon Witherspoon‘s expressive, soulful singing. That secret sauce stays on “Fact Killer”, with a couple of twists and turns. The album begins with a kind of twists in “I Would possibly Let the Satan Win”, which reveals SEVENDUST‘s uncommon tender facet. Witherspoon‘s hushed vocals attain out and cradle the listener, as he begs the Satan to remain away amid delicate drums and guitars. The album’s title monitor follows, and this track is far more acquainted to SEVENDUST followers, with its punchy, gutting verses and easy, melodic choruses.One of many album’s strongest factors comes early on with “Will not Cease the Bleeding”. Right here, Witherspoon‘s vocal harmonies actually make the refrain, and Connolly and Lowery‘s riffing is catchy and invigorating.

Basically, “Fact Killer” is one in every of SEVENDUST‘s extra melodic albums, not not like 2003’s “Seasons”. That is to not say “Fact Killer” is not a heavy album. Songs akin to “No Revolution”, “Depart Hell Behind” and “Messenger” function the heaviness that SEVENDUST followers have come to like, however additionally they carry a extra singable, mainstream-sounding aura that ought to attraction past the everyday SEVENDUST fan.

As for the heavy, “Love and Hate” is a rager, with Witherspoon singing of these insecurities that include being in a relationship amid Lowery and Connolly‘s sharp guitar traces. “Fence”, which closes out the album, is the set’s heaviest track. Right here, SEVENDUST spit out a fast-paced nu-metal monitor, with thick partitions of guitars and uneven vocals.

SEVENDUST are a kind of particular bands that has earned credibility primarily primarily based on their aggressive touring and stay reveals, but they handle to knock out stellar studio albums, too. “Fact Killer” is one other strong album of their arsenal. Whereas it is not tremendous different or numerous, “Fact Killer” is well-written and exquisitely executed. With “Fact Killer”, SEVENDUST clarify that despite the fact that they’re 14 albums in, they are not watering something down, and so they have far more music in them.