There is only one Sevendust. After over 20 years of being in the music industry they have earned the respect of peers and fans alike making them one of the most beloved hard rock band in history. With a Grammy nomination, numerous accolades and now twelve albums under their belt Sevendust has come full circle with their latest release, All I See is War.
Originally formed in Altanta, Georgia, Sevendust came onto the scene in 1997 with their debut self titled album, Sevendust. There is much to be said about this period of time as the band toured almost a full year in support of this album. The term road dogs have become synonymous with the band over the years as they have been notorious with putting out albums and touring non-stop. In 1999, the album went gold which was a huge moment. By 1999 their sophomore album, Home was released and gained the band followers, but the bands third album, Animosity released in 2001 gave the band their first taste of commercial success. It was produced by Ben Grosse and it went gold and songs like “Angel Son” and “Praise” were immediate hits.
The band found more success with their fourth album, Seasons which was released in 2003. Songs like “Enemy” and “Broken Down” were embraced by fans. By this time Sevendust had already created a hard core fan base. In December of 2004, guitarist Clint Lowery decided to pursue playing with his brother’s band, Dark new Day. At that time the band brought in guitarist, Sonny Mayo (Amen, Snot) to replace Lowery. By 2005, the band having worked with renowned producer Shawn Grove put out Next and at the same time went about creating their own record label 7Bros Records. Alpha, followed in 2007 and the album came in at 14 on the Billboard 200 chart.
By 2008, the band released Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow which featured artist like Chris Daughtry, Myles Kennedy and Mark Tremonti. The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at 19. It was during this time that Clint Lowery had decided to return to the band as guitarist. It was a difficult time for the band as Mayo was like a brother and having him leave was tough. This time after touring in support of Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow, two years had passed and in 2010, Cold Day Memory was released. The album went to 12 on the Billboard charts, making it another successful record.
In 2013, Black Out The Sun was released and became the first album to hit number 1 on the Billboard Charts. It was the first album to be released on the band’s own record label, 7Bros. The band decided to do something different with their next album, Time Travelers and Bonfires which was released in 2014. They did their first all-acoustic album featuring previously recorded and brand new songs. The band then embarked on an acoustic tour for this album.
In 2015, Sevendust would have their lives changed when their 11th album was released, Kill The Flaw. The single “Thank You” was nominated for Best Metal Performance for the Grammy Awards in 2016. This nomination brought the band to a new level of success and was a shining moment in their career.
All I See Is War was released May 11, 2018 on Rise Records. The band worked with world renowned producer, Elvis Baskette (Shinedown, Tremonti, Slash, Alter Bridge). The band’s first single and video, was “Dirty” followed by “Medicated” and “Not Original”. The band consists of Lajon Witherspoon on vocals, John Connolly on guitar and backing vocals, Morgan Rose on drums and backing vocals, Clint Lowery on guitar and backing vocals and Vinnie Hornsby on bass and backing vocals.
The album itself is a powerful one full of passion not only lyrically but musically. It just maybe Sevendust’s strongest record yet with killer guitar riffs by Connolly and Lowery, powerhouse mixed with melodic vocals by Witherspoon, double-time jaw dropping drum solos by Rose and passionate rock steady bass playing by Hornsby. Another thing to mention is the album is jam packed with astonishing harmonies in each song alongside Rose’s notoriously famous screams. This record seems to embrace a chapter of a band that is more mature and has mastered their craft. Every song on the album is well written, executed and performed.
One thing this album succeeds at proving that Sevendust is a hard rock machine that has perfected the art of making music. The band is a veteran in the game. They know each other so well that they play off each other with each note played and sung.
The album starts off with the band’s first single and video “Dirty”. This is a hard rock song that turns super heavy during the chorus with Rose’s infamous screams and amazing harmonies. There is a breakdown of a drum solo that leads into a passionate guitar solo, all the time there is a steady bass section that adds to the depth of the song. Witherspoon’s vocals are solid and yet at the same time he evokes a sense of passion.
“Medicated”, the second video single, is a song that is an in your face powerful song with melodic sections. It is the best of both worlds having the heavy and lighter side mixed together. There are parts full of double bass and drums mixed with dueling guitars. Then all of a sudden enters a beautiful haunting piano melody alongside Rose’s cymbals and drums. Witherspoon sings along with such fervor as a string section is heard in the background. The uniqueness of this tune is what makes it special and will become a fan favorite.
Another song that is truly strong and heavy is “Risen”. It has powerhouse vocals, killer guitar riffs, heavy bass and drums. Then when it hits the chorus it becomes, in true Sevendust style, euphoric. Witherspoon’s vocals are full of enthusiasm and blend perfectly with the harmonies that make the vocal section of the song so powerful. The guitar solos in the song are truly jaw dropping and perfect they tie the tune together making for a masterpiece of sounds.
The band’s latest video single, “Not Original” is one song on the album with a beautiful string intro that leads into a slower vocal and musical performance. This rock ballad shows off what Sevendust is so remarkable at doing and that is taking slower songs and perfecting them. Witherspoon’s vocals are passionate and full of feeling. From the guitar section to bass, to drum and even a piano section every instrument is in sync with this song and truly one that is moving and shows off the bands softer side.
The album ends in, “The Truth”. With powerful raw double time drums, bass and hard rocking guitars mixed with forceful vocals the tune is a force to be reckoned with. In the chorus the music and vocals turn more rhythmic in nature especially when the harmonies are added. In true Sevendust fashion the band knows how to blend heavy with light to make a perfect match. This song brings the album together and is a great choice to end the musical journey of All I See Is War.
Sevendust has done it again, making another album unlike the rest. Every song on the album is pure genius. Their ability to keep creating music that is relevant executed exceptionally and masterfully is unparalleled. In fact, All I See Is War, just might be Sevendust’s best album to date. There is a reason the band has been so loved and has survived over 20 years when others have broken up. It’s because of the passion in the writing, in the performances, in the touring and the love of the fans. To be honest, another Grammy nomination maybe in the works for Sevendust with All I See Is War.
