Another Loose Canon Gone Bi-Polar, or Why I Love Shinedown

Please believe Shinedown are not a Glam band. They are, however, an awesome rock act influenced by  over-the-top stage shows of the 80s Metal bands we love. Shinedown's new album The Sound of Madness is an impassioned modern rock experience. A true, in-your-face Metal explosion. There's no faking here. The band are who they are and that's o.k. with me.

The Sound of Madness features 11 tracks - all a unique story told through high-end guitar pickups and Marshall amplifiers. Sure the album's title track is easily the strongest - but other high points are "Devour," "Second Chance" and "Call Me." The Sound of Madness runs the gamut of heavy to passionate and back again giving Shinedown the distinction of actually having depth.

The more I think about it, Shinedown just might be exactly what the rock world needs right now to survive. The crux of the matter is that true rock acts are a dying breed and for good reason: they get no support. "Fans" steal music, commercial radio doesn't play songs and big box retailers like Wal-Mart sell censored versions of albums. The good thing about The Sound of Madness is that the songs have a good edge, but many are still melodic enough to actually get radio play once in awhile.(I must admit satellite radio does give Shindeown a fair shake).

I was very impressed with Shinedown when I saw them last month playing second fiddle to Hinder. Make no mistake, Shinedown blew Hinder off the stage - and I don't think they were even trying that hard. This live performance made me want to investigate the Jacksonville band more.

Back to "The Sound of Madness." I freaking love this song. In fact, I might make it my new anthem:

"Yeah, I get it,
You're an outcast.
Always under attack.
Always coming in last,
Bringing up the past.
No one owes you anything.
I think you need a shotgun blast,
A kick in the ass,
So paranoid...
Watch your back!"

The beginning is just so...heavy and...perfect. I love the way singer Brent Smith growls out the words at the beginning of the track. Beautiful production + great writing = Allyson in love.

All told, Shinedown has released three albums since forming in 2001. I'll be backfilling my collection - I suggest you give the band a shot.

Oh, and sometimes goodbye really is a second chance. Just sayin.'

Comments

[don]

so if a band chooses to sell through walmart and sells a lot of cds (even though they are censored) that's not supporting them? interesting logic.

[kari]

hell yeah this band kicks ass! can't get enough of 'em. sound of madness is a constant staple in my car right now after having seen them play in November. Just Incredible! Great write up Ally.

[Todd]

I also love Shinedown. Unfortunately, for me, they played Chicago on 12/17 and Brett's voice was completely shot. So shot, that I thought they should have canceled the show.

The other problem I have with them, is that it appears they can't keep band members. This hasn't affected their output yet, because "Sound of Madness" is a fantastic effort, though I have heard that a lot of the song writing had been done by one of the members that is no longer with the band.

None the less, "Sound of Madness" is one of the best albums of 2008.

[Makel]

I love Shinedown.
I'm seeing them in Feb. with Black Stone Cherry.
I'm sure it'll be a good show.

[Rufus]

You dont like Hinder, and you like these clowns?
Shinedown fucking sucks!
You have your head up your ass!

[Allyson]

Rufus,

I must admit I'm just stunned at how much you value my opinion. It must really irk you that I despise Hinder. It's not as if my dislike of the band has any bearing on you and your ability to be a fan.

I guess the fact that you come back day after day means you really do enjoy this site - ever so begrudgingly.

Hugs and kisses,
Allyson

[Bob]

Shinedown is a great band. This album is my favorite of theirs, but they have several older ones that are great also. I like all the tracks on this disc and recommend "Fans" steal it, listen, then go buy it.

[Valentine]

Rufus - You have your head up a clown's ass? Huh? You suck fucking shinedown what? Geez. Dude, you are one bitter douche.

Allyson - hahahah. "Hugs and Kisses". I love it.

[Ed]

I like how valentine defends everything she says because he got a good album review.

[Allyson B. Crawford]

I like how Rufus and Ed are the same person - an individual that formally posted here frequently under a real name.

Remember, there is no true anonymity - not even online.

- Allyson

[Valentine]

What's the matter, "Ed"? Jealous?

I don't defend everything Allyson says... I agree with her on quite a few things but not everything; when I don't, I voice that opinion, too.

If you've got something to say specifically to me, say it, don't post a backhanded comment aimed toward me.

Ass.

[Kris]

Listen to "I Own You." It's one of the bonus tracks from their MADNESS disc. You can get it from ITUNES. They also have Junkies for Fame, which is for a videogame and also on ITUNES. They are both standard rock songs, but done way better.

[Mrlee]

Havent been on this site for ages. Its crayz, my mind blanked n i completely forgot about it. Then i remembered the site last night n promised myself id check back into it.

I read this. Now i saw a video of these guys on British TV, they have some decent airplay for their song "devour" which is a cool song, shame there aint a good guitar solo in it. Anyhow, i just checked this, wow, these guys sound great. His voice sounds really unique so. ILL BE CHECKIN INTO THESE GUYS!! thanks :D

[CK]

Allyson, I hate to say I told you so but....these guys are awesome and they will be at Bogarts March 10th. Hope to see you there. P.S. Their other two CD's are pretty good as well.