While I’m not clear on the message of “Pyro”, I believe “Evolve” is a pretty fair commentary on what’s happening to our society the more enlightened and evolved we supposedly become. I can’t wait to see how these two do in the set list at upcoming concerts. “Pyro” and “Evolve” are, in my opinion, the most high-octane rockers on the CD. Lyrically, it’s a song I think many of us can relate to, if not on a personal level, then by observing a good chunk of society and what it’s become. Listen to “Believer” or “Sail” and tell me you don’t hear the similarities. It’s still a great rocker, but the sound and style of the drumming and keyboards on the intro remind me a bit of recent music from Imagine Dragons and AWOLNation. On “Kill Your Conscience”,Kerch appears to be experimenting with some new electronics on the intro. Thanks for that, Zach Myers we need more of that in today’s rock. This song also features something we rarely hear in rock anymore, a cool guitar solo during the bridge. At the start, the keyboard hook and electronic drums are deceptive, making you think you may be in for a pop-friendly track… However, those illusions are quickly swept away once the drums and guitars pound into your eardrums during the first chorus and into the second verse. “Black Soul” is a mix of pure hard rock with electronic elements. Be forewarned it’s a chorus that will get stuck in your head and have you singing along after a couple listens. He then launches into a clear, melodic vocal on the chorus.

He can rap with the best of them, as he proves on the verses of the track. On “Attention Attention”, Brent Smith shows he’s more than just a great vocalist. However, I hear a bit more experimentation with electronic drums, keyboards, and even a bit of rap on the title track. At its core, it’s a hard rock album, no question. The second single, “The Human Radio”, features some pretty cool lyrics, vocal effects, and an Eric Bass bass line that’s sure to get stuck in your head.Īs mentioned, there are some very diverse sounds on this release. The lead single, “Devil”, may be the heaviest lead single Shinedown has released to date. If you’ve listened to rock radio, or if you’ve pre-ordered the album through digital retailers, you should already be familiar with the first two tracks released. Though, honestly, we’ll probably talk a little about each one in the end. Instead, let’s focus on the diversity of a few songs. However, the lyrics on this album give the listener a lot to think about and, in my view, are up to personal interpretation. All of the songs on this album are excellent. If you listen closely, you’re hear influences ranging from pop, hard rock and metal, alternative, industrial, and even a little psychedelic rock. Considering the band’s excellent body of work, that’s saying something.įrom start to finish, Attention Attentionwill blow you away with the diverse musical influences and styles, great musicianship, and lyrics that will make you think about yourself and the world around you. As a long-time fan, I believe this to be among their best releases. The band’s sixth release, Attention Attention, is no exception. Unlike many of today’s bands who have a couple hits, then stick to that formula for subsequent releases, Shinedown‘s sound is constantly changing, while staying true to their hard rock roots. Since their major label debut in 2003, Leave a Whisper, Shinedown‘s sound has evolved with each release. The quartet bring their immense talents to bear on this album, the successor 2015’s Threat to Survival. Shinedown still consists of vocalist Brent Smith, guitarist Zach Myers, bassist Eric Bass, and drummer Barry Kerch. As a huge Shinedown fan, I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to talk about the new release, Attention Attention, the band’s sixth studio effort. It’s been a while since I’ve written a review, and this is my first review for Metal Nation.

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