SEVENDUST - Truth Killer / Digisleeve CD

Sevendust never follow a linear path. Instead, they continue to bulldoze a lane of their own with a proven one-two punch of rumbling grooves, unpredictable riffing, and stirringly soulful vocals unlike anything else in hard rock. As a result, their music connects straight to the heart as evidenced by their full-contact live shows and diehard “family” of fans. It’s why they’ve been around since 1994, tallied global sales of seven million, logged three gold-selling albums, delivered three Top 15 debuts on the Billboard 200, and garnered a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Best Metal Performance.” 2021 saw them deliver one of the most-acclaimed albums of their career with Blood & Stone, which Metal Hammer christened “Sevendust’s best work in years.” However, the Atlanta quintet—Lajon Witherspoon [lead vocals], Clint Lowery [lead guitar, backing vocals], John Connolly [rhythm guitar, backing vocals], Vince Hornsby [bass], and Morgan Rose [drums]—defy expectations yet again on their fourteenth full-length and debut for Napalm Records, Truth Killer, produced by Michael “Elvis” Baskette [Alter Bridge, Trivium, Slash]. The album opens with perhaps the biggest departure the slow-burning “I Might Let The Devil Win.” Piano pierces glitchy beat-craft as Lajon’s delivery borders on magnetic and manic with a confession. If Trent Reznor produced The Weeknd, it might sound something like this. On the other end of the spectrum, the single and finale “Fence” goes right for the jugular with pummeling drums, a chugging riff, and guttural barks from Lajon. It crashes right into a hammering hook before spiraling into an incendiary solo. The title track “Truth Killer” fuses searing orchestration with a rush of distortion and powerhouse refrain. On “Everything,” a jarring guitar melody underlines an affirmation on the catastrophically catchy chorus. As if baptized in frustration, “Holy Water” snakes through an off-kilter bounce over incisive synths towards a massive chant. “Superficial Drug” intoxicates with a sinewy bass line and head-nodding groove as one of the record’s most melodic moments takes hold. Ultimately, Truth Killer reaffirms there’s only one Sevendust—and they’re here forever.

Tracklist

1. I Might Let the Devil Win
2. Truth Killer
3. Won't Stop the Bleeding
4. Everything
5. No Revolution
6. Sick Mouth
7. Holy Water
8. Leave Hell Behind
9. Superficial Drug
10. Messenger
11. Love and Hate
12. Fence