SEVENDUST — Sevendust (review)

SEVENDUST — Sevendust album cover Album · 1997 · Nu Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
Unitron
Sevendust is, in my opinion, one of the most consistent yet sadly forgotten bands out there. They blasted onto the metal scene in 1997 with their self-titled debut, which I think is both their best album and an underrated groove metal classic.

Despite the 90's being the age of groove metal, 1997 was somewhat of a low point with only Grip Inc. being the only groove metal band to really release a notable album apart from Sevendust. Sevendust's debut is one of those surprise masterpieces that wakes up a seemingly dying scene, but unfortunately this is one that went more or less unnoticed.

The thing that sets Sevendust's debut apart from other groove metal bands, is their variation. They mix crushing thrash and groovy riffs reminiscent of Chaos A.D.-era Sepultura with the dark melody of bands like Alice in Chains. Throw in a bit of industrial in the vein of Varga, and you got an idea of the sound on here. Songs like "Terminator" and the absolutely crushing "Born to Die", deliver the pure groove, while "Bitch" and "My Ruin" combine the groovy riffs with bittersweet melodies. "Too Close to Hate" begins with haunting ambiance before beating you over the head with punishing riffs.

Lajon Witherspoon has a very powerful voice, being able to sing beautifully as well as deliver gruff barks with great conviction. Guitarists Clint Lowery and John Connolly as well can contrast the clean and the rough. Just take a listen to "Bitch" especially, and the contrast between melodic vocals and acoustics and gruff vocals and crunching guitar works very well. The production is quite different from how it would sound on later releases from the band, having really raw quality which I think the album benefits from.

A sadly underrated album, and a truly stellar debut. If you want a perfect blend of groove and alternative metal, look no further than this killer classic. Hope you found this review helpful, feel free to comment!
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