Influenced by thrash metal, grunge, industrial, and rap, the Atlanta-based
Sevendust had a brutally heavy alternative rock release in its riveting debut, self-titled album. But for all its intensity,
Sevendust is a band that, like
Living Colour and
Nirvana, combines a striking melodic sense with sledgehammer aggression. Though
Living Colour is a valid comparison (up to a point), one also hears traces of everyone from
Metallica and
Anthrax to
Faith No More and
Ministry here.
Sevendust's very dark lyrics are as heavy as its music. "Face" candidly describes a consensual S&M/bondage scenario, while other songs deal with social issues. Addressing such topics as racism ("Black"), depression and schizophrenia ("Too Close to Hate"), and drug addiction ("Wired"), this CD is as arresting lyrically as it is musically.