Customer Reviews

Seasons (w/ Bonus DVD)

5 star:		(79)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

As the years have passed I have found myself being inexorably drawn away from this type of music. Taste, maybe. Artistic quality, no. I have been a Sevendust fan since their first release, with Home being my favorite album, until now. I sift through these reviews and think to myself, are these people really fans of this band, or do they actually want the same thing over and over? Sevendust has never sounded better. You can say that they are soft, you can say that they have taken the sell-out road to Pop music stardom, you can say that they are no longer 'Sevendust.' I say open your ears and listen. Seasons is one of the best "nu/metal" releases that I have ever had the pleasure of hearing. It is apparent, to those of us that actually pay attention to the music, that Lajon and crew are working toward closure as a band, and as human beings. Some of the songs are brutal; Face to Face is actually scary. But the polar opposite, Skeleton Song, and to some degree Disgrace, leave this listener on the verge of emotional turmoil. I want to follow these guys as they mine these emotions, regardless of how thrashy, hard, loud, or "Rock" they may sound. I say Kudos to the band. Seasons is a wholly justified purchase for Sevendust fans, and fans of earnest, emotional rock music. Even the naysayers may find some gold to mine if they put down their placards of "Sell-Out," and "Gone-Soft" long enough to experience the emotion of this release. Lajon, our hearts are with you.

There is one thing that I can say about Sevendust which I have rarely ever been able to say for a musical group: they have NEVER let me down. (Save for a cancelled show in my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio to play "Angel's Son" on The Tonight Show where another of my favorite bands was scheduled to open, Finger Eleven. The re-scheduled show had no opening acts save for a terrible local metal ban. I STILL have yet to see Finger Eleven live, but I'm not bitter...) Every album I've ever purchased by them has been a steady improvement over the last, and this album is no exception.

I remember listening to their Self-Titled album and thinking to myself, "man, I love these riffs I just wish Lajon would SING more."

Then "Home" came out. Wow, I got EXACTLY what I wanted. This time around the riffs were even better. Days after this album's release I had the opportunity of seeing Sevendust live for the first time. This goes down in history as one of the best live shows I have EVER been to. Check out the opening line-up, which had Sevendust headlining circa 1999: Skunk Anansie, followed by Staind (yes, Staind), and Powerman 5000. The only shows I've been to on par with this were "The Roots" and "Heavy D, Digital Underground, and Public Enemy" a LONG time ago. So, what did I say next..."Man, I love this album, but the syncopated riffing just gets a bit monotonous at times."

Then "Animosity" came out. Soaring vocals, the use of more open sounding, suspended chords and further musical development from the band. Up until the day "Seasons" came out "Animosity" was still getting heavy rotation in my CD player. So, what did I say next? "Animosity, is one of my new favorite albums. The only thing I would change would be to improve songs like "X-Mas Day" and cut to the chase on a lot of the songs."

And now we have "Seasons." While I'm tempted to dissect this album song by song, I'll do my best not to do that. This album is FANTASTIC. No other way to put it. The songs get right to the point, still with Sevendust's trademark riffage, and soaring vocals. The choruses are readymade for the radio which may anger some, but if you didn't know this was coming you haven't been listening hard enough. Sevendust has ALWAYS been "poppy" and in case you forgot, "Seasons" is here to remind you. Most songs on this album are under 4 minutes long and those of you who liked the longer songs of "Animosity" may be disappointed here.

Listening to a "Sevendust" album is (please pardon the pun...I noticed it shortly before I started typing this) very much like "X-Mas Day"...you always seem to get what you want when you open the wrapper.

Be warned, the choruses are SO catchy you WILL be singing them in your head when you LEAST expect it.

My only criticism is that some songs are just SO DAMN good, others are only GOOD by comparison. "Enemy" could have been left off this album, I feel it is a bit too cliche and actually the worst song on the album...releasing this as a single really doesn't do this album justice.

Sevendust...if you EVER read this: if you DO NOT release "Broken Down" as a single, you're nuts. When radio gets a hold of this...they'll play it so much that YOU'LL even be sick of it.

Sevendust you have quite the task ahead of you...how can you follow up an album even better than this?

This is the best heavy rock album of the year and the new standard by which all melodic pop metal albums will be judged.

I have always said that the best bands are ones that are constantly improving rather than retreading familiar terriotory or radically changing their sound (e.g. KoRn). After listening to this CD, I can honestly Sevendust falls into the first category. With their first album, Sevendust introduced a somewhat generic nu-metal sound, but nonetheless, it held promise with its hard and heavy riffs, as well as its pounding rhythms. In Home, they refined their sound, making it far more unique, but most of the songs tended to sound rather generic. Animosity was really a turning point for the band. It combined, but it added in a new element of soulfulness that had not been found in their previous albums. Songs like "Live Again" and "X-Mas Day" are probably the best examples of this. Now, with Seasons, Sevendust has taken the progression even further. But is this the right direction for them to be taking?

There's been a backlash against metal bands taking their songs in a more emotional, yet less heavy direction, and so it comes as no surprise that there are some Sevendust fans feeling left out with this album and Animosity. Personally, I could care less as their songs on this album show light years more complextity, feeling, and variety than their old stuff does. Now, that is not to say Seasons doesn't offer some really heavy material, but it does not dominate the album like on their first two albums. Allow me to break it down song by song.

"Disease" (8/10): Following a tradition begun with their first album, the first song on this album is heavy, but unlike their previous two albums, it has a rather catchy guitar riff going on throughout it making it more memborable than "TOAB" and "Home".

"Enemy" (9/10): Just as heavy as "Disease" but there's an element of rap in here mixed in with a more emotional chorus and interesting chorus.

"Seasons" (10/10): Another catchy and heavy guitar melody going on, but its not nearly as hard and heavy as the previous two and the focus is more on Lajon's singing.

"Broken Down" (15/10): Probably the best song on the album. It's in the same vein as "Live Again," (A hard and fast song, but still has many ballad-like qualities) but that's not a bad thing. With a unique melody and a powerful chorus, as well as a meaningful lyrics, it simply a very powerful song. I can listen to this song all day.

"Separate" (6/10): Catchy, but it feels too poppish for my tastes. It's growing on me, but not enough to raise its score.

"Honesty" (8/10): A slower song, but by no means soft. Showcases Lajon's talent as a singer, but is not among the more unique songs on the album.

"Skeleton Song" (14/10): An acoustic song a la "X-Mas Day," but even more haunting, especially the chorus. Everything seems to gel here and it's a close second to "Broken Down," though, that could change with time.

"Disgrace" (8/10): Good, but at the same time, sounds a little to similar to "Seasons." While this is not a bad thing as it has enough going for it to stand-out on its own, at the same time, variety is the spice of life.

"Burned Out" (7/10): This is rather generic and sounds like slowed down version of "Shine." It's worth listening to for Lajon's vocals, however.

"Suffocate" (8/10): Not to be confused with the Cold song of the same name, this is real driving and heavy song which gives Morgan a chance to really exercise his vocal chords. Not exceptional, but good.

"Gone" (7/10): Once again, another song whose only failing is its similarity to another song. Unfortunately, that song happens to be "Suffocate" which isn't very exceptional to begin with, and considering they're right next to each other, that makes it sound even more generic.

"Face to Face" (7/10): Probably the heaviest song on the album. If it were used in Home, it would probably be a stand-out song, but it doesn't fit as well as other songs do on the album. The chorus is really good, however. Much like TOAB on Animosity if the rest of the album were like this song, it would probably stand out and be really good.

The only problem with this album is a couple songs are rather generic or just don't fit well in the album. This has always Sevendust's problem and while they're getting better at fixing that, at the same time, it prevents Seasons from being the absolute perfect album. Then again, most albums suffer from the aformentioned problem. Besides that, all of the songs on the album are still high quality (And they're all worth listening to for Lajon's vocals) so it's not like you're going to be reaching for the next track button on your CD player every other song. They all demonstrate the massive amount of talent the band possesses, as well their unique sound which is getting more and more refined with each album. While fans who solely appreciate hard and heavy music (In other words, a lot of noise, screaming, and heavy guitar riffs) might be rather disgruntled that Sevendust is slowly moving away from their earlier material, for the rest of us, Seasons is an album that has a lot to offer in terms of variety and complexity.

Growth, thats what this album is all about. Sevendust have evolved more each album, but this is the high point. Disease opens the album with a nasty growl that any fan loves to hear. Powerful song overall. Enemy is next which is the most different of any other song Sevendust have done. Nothing really fancy, but a great song espescially if you know the subject matter. Third is Seasons, another classic Sevendust dong with melody and intensity working hand in hand. Broken Down is the ext song and it takes you to a whole new place; the music, along with Lajon's unique voice make this one of the tracks of the year from any artist. Seperate and Honesty are two more good old rock and roll songs with a slight metallic twist that fits so nicely with Sevendust. Then the softer side of Sevendust kicks in, The Skeleton Song is very passionate and emotional, yet very open to ones own interpretation thus making it another fantastic track. Disgrace comes along and gives you another taste of what you'd come to expect from the first half of the album. Then the album switches yet again to the most radio friendly track Burned Out. Seriously probably one of Sevvendust's most radio friendly songs with the exception o maybe Xmas Day and Angel's Son. Then Suffocate and Gone Come back and Sevendust show us how real musicians make music. Then the closer, Face to Face. The track that ties this album together with the rest of Sevendust's albums the most. Ferocious yet melodic and very captivating.
The DVD addition was very nice, with an acoustic version of Black, a MTV Punkd inspired prank by Morgan, and a bonus track Inner City Blues. Definitly a great album in all aspects, hopefully this will be the one to bring them the platinum disc they so rightfully deserve.

Sevendust is an interesting band to me. I'm mostly a fan of Soilwork and Unearth and other harder bands, but this band just sticks out. My first listen to this CD was, "ah, it's all right," but I have absolutely grown to love it. Each of the songs starts off with a heavy riff and screaming, grating music, which then takes a turn and flows into the most catchy, melodic choruses I've ever heard. I dare you to show me a Sevendust song without a beautiful chorus that WILL get stuck in your head. If the only thing you listened to on this CD was the choruses, it would still be worth it. Buy this CD.

Hmm, there seems to be an awful lot of disappointment among Sevendust fans here. Well, I for one am far from disappointed. The main thing that puts Sevendust above the almost never-ending pantheon of boring numetal bands (besides them just having better music overall) is the fact that they're progressing. Just about every album is an extention of the last, and they are crafting and refining their sound with every release.

"Seasons" is the culmination of what they've been developing into ever since their excellent debut. Their last album, "Animosity", was just fantastic, and I think I have enjoyed it more and more with every listen, but I think that Sevendust may very have topped that fantastic release with this one here. The melodies, the riffs, the vocal harmonies, everything that has defined Sevendust's signature sound has been further perfected here, in what I can't describe as anything but a magnificent piece of work. Their riffs are tighter than ever (and they've got the distortion a bit more under control, which is a very good thing), and Morgan's drumming just gets more and more awesome. Very technical rhythms, but still very tasteful and dripping with groove. One of my favorite drummers these days, without a doubt. And of course, Lajon rules, but you already knew that, didn't you?

As for the songs, I could very well shower them all with equal amounts of praise, but there are a few I particularly enjoy. "Enemy" is an extremely angry, aggressive track, with some semi-rapped vocals and venomous lyrics directed toward Coal Chamber frontman Dez Farfarra. This song may seem to many like just your average angry numetal song, but I think what really makes it interesting is that it is an outcry against the arrogance and falsehood often represented in the genre. So it's really kind of an ironic track if you think about it, and a darn good one at that. Morgan and Lajon trading off on the vocals is a killer effect. "Suffocate" and the title track are top-notch catchy rockers, and "Gone" and "Skeleton Song" slow things down a bit with some nice acoustic guitars. "Face to Face" is another angry one. Not sure who this one was directed towards, but it makes for a fiery closer. Kind of reminds me a bit of a rock version of LL Cool J (and I mean that in the best possible way, as LL is one of the few rappers that I like and respect). I don't want to make it sound like this album is one big extended middle finger, though. It's really only those two songs. The rest is more introspective lyrically, and relying more on groove and melody than pure vitriol.

But anyway, like I said, this whole album is great. One of the best albums of the year without a doubt. No matter what kind of music you listen to, you have a pretty good chance of enjoying most of this. It's just that good.

Sevendust, unlike many niche only bands has an issue. They are an ever emerging and changing band, but are responsibly for two different audiences, one are the metal-heads that have fallen in love with the bands excellent musicians (Clint, Morgan, Vinnie, John) Lajon's seriously great voice, and their ability to make a great hard hitting rock song. Then there are those who loved the album Animosty more and crave those great melodic rock songs..... I for one can listen to any one of their songs and love it, I am just a "true fan" and can appreciate many types and tempos to their musice, whether it is the song "Home" and "Black" or songs such as "Skeleton Song" and "X-mas Day"....It's great that you can swith on and off with them and all of their songs are fantastic....soooo true fans out there just give it a listen....

I was really worried about this album I was wondering if it would hold up, I was even nervous to listen because I didn't want to be disappointed....My non-bias opinion? This is now my Favorite Sevendust Album period (all are great albums)...They really came out whooping ass on this one all around....Some of the songs on here are the most beautiful rock/melodic songs I have ever heard (some good heavy ones too) Enemy is by far not the best song on this album. Skeleton Song is another powerful melodic/rock song that will engage you and seriously please your ears to no end....Lajon has the ability to not only sound unique and great but to also take it to another level.......

I am simply wondering how I could view every song on this album as great, I have been listening to it non-stop for 3 days...I guess I am a sucker for the melody, but with that melody there is also a lot of intense rock..... a nice balance.....For the metal-heads out there I would say Face to Face will knock your socks off, if you want just constant never ending noise with no vocals or meaning behind it I suggest getting slipknot (I am kidding slipknot fans)....I just think Sevendust is far too diverse in their abilities and range to stick to just background noise.....So yes spend your money on this buy it! I guarantee you will not regret it! To be honest I have never bought an album in my whole life...Seasons was the first I actually bought and I have listend to aaaaaalllloot of music..that says something. I know we all have our own opinions if everyone liked music for just music and not for image/preferences/etc... I think they would love this album, but if you aren't a fan of melody (not sure why) or need constant high intensity you may not like a few tracks........

In the end this is a great album, let's not forget that Sevendust tours and tours and have remained pretty much underground, they aren't trying to do anything but make music to the best of their ability, and I was blown away.

P.S. Nice drumming Morgan. heh.

A week ago, if you had asked me what my favorite album of all time was, I would have to say Sevendust's Animosity. Today, if you were to ask me the same question, I would say Sevendust's Seasons. While this album may not break as much ground as their previous effort, it expands off of the concepts used in Animosity and uses a new lyrical style to create one of the best albums EVER. Gone are the random sentence fragments used in the past three records, replaced with poetic works of art. I would like to give an in-depth review of each song because they all need an individual review:

"DISGRACE" - A very good opener. This isn't as heavy as their previous openers, but it contains that disjointed sound used in songs like "T.O.A.B." and "Denial". I don't quite understand the lyrics. 4/5

"ENEMY" - 1st single. Very driving song. I've never heard the band sound this angry. This song is actually directed to Coal Chamber/Devildriver frontman Dez Fafara. Drummer Morgan Rose wrote the lyrics. Also, very cool guitar opening. 5/5

"SEASONS" - Incredible song. Has the potential to be a single. Very beautiful chorus where Lajon sings: "The seasons are way too cold, will we last another year?". Similar to "Trust" from Animosity. 5/5

"BROKEN DOWN" - Another excellent work of art. Beautiful singing from Lajon and Clint. Ends with a very familiar tune. 5/5

"SEPARATE" - I'm surprised that this song is on the Headbanger's Ball compilation, as it is a mid-tempo piece. Similar to "Reconnect" and "Crucified", but not as memorable. 4/5

"HONESTY" - Another mid-tempo song. Very cool guitar/vocal blending with Clint performing back-ups. 4.5/5

"SKELETON SONG" - The "Xmas Day" of Seasons. A beautiful song that stands out from the rest of the album. Lajon proves once again that he is one of the best vocalists ever. 5/5

"DISGRACE" - My least favorite track on the record. I don't think it's very catchy, but it isn't bad. 3.5/5

"BURNED OUT" - A favorite, similar to "Live Again" and "Grasp" from the previous two releases. It starts off with Lajon and Morgan playing and then the rest of the band joins in a few seconds later. Then comes the chorus, which is breathtaking. Every time I listen to the lyrics, chills run down my spine. They're that deep! 5.5/5

"SUFFOCATE" - A fast-paced song, even faster than "Praise". Sevendust sounds very different on this song compared to their previous work. 4/5

"GONE" - A beautiful song that gave me chills. I love the lyric: "When I'm gone, don't fill the space that still belongs to me". Everyone should hear this song if you have ever liked Sevendust. 5/5

"FACE TO FACE" - The BEST song on the album. Another angry song that breaks down into a melodic chorus. Lajon remains undefeated as the best vocalist EVER!!! I love the baseball game metaphor used in the second half of the song. 6/5

I'll close this review with a statement. If this album proves anything at all, it's that even though the seasons change, Sevendust is here to stay.

When it comes to hard rock and melody no one does it better than Sevendust. Ever since I picked up Animosity a couple years ago they have become my favorite band and Seasons is a great addition to the Sevendust collection. I understand many people feel like they (sold out) on this album and that it was too soft but you have to understand something. People go through changes in life and LJ said it himself, "This is really a healing album." After the death of his brother the band really had to find itself again and this cd is a true reflection of that.

This is probably the most beautiful musically and its great in that anyone can pick it up and enjoy it. I highly recommend this and all the other albums (particularly animosity, which is there best album to date, and the self titled for some of the greatest heavy songs sevendust has produced). There is not a more genuine , honest, or harderworking band in the business.

I must foreworn of a bias here - in my eyes Sevendust can really do no wrong. After falling completely in love with their last 3 albums, having infinite forgiveness for them is a cross I must bare.

After hearing "Enemy" and getting chills from it, after buying the Freddy vs. Jason Soundtrack just to hear "Leech" and getting chills from that as well, I was highly anticipating the arrival of Seasons. And after listening to it for several months, I've finally found what is missing.

To be frank: I enjoy this album, and I get a lot of replay from it . . . but I have to say it is lacking a certain something. That certain something being the level of originality and creativity that I've become accustomed to hearing from such masters of the muse as Sevendust. They set a lofty bar for themselves with each of their previous releases, and not only didn't they clear it this time, they seem to have hit their head on it and knocked themselves out cold.

There is just a startling lack of vareity in this album, which other die-hard fans of theirs will tell you is out of character. The melodic and layered vocals do sound gorgeous, but they used to be able to do that over riffs that were still hard and gritty, and THAT is what always set them apart. They don't do that at all on this album. Granted, they still manage to find original-sounding chord progressions, but you could randomly rearrange the choruses in almost all the songs and not really notice.

There's a lack of internal song variety. Like on "Shine" where the second time they repeat the chorus they add on more vocals, or in "Black" how that main riff is a little different each time it's repeated, or on a million other songs how they vary the verses and chorus from one instance to the next in those subtle little ways that are just enough to make you notice.

In short, it just doesn't feel like they put very much effort into this release. However, we *are* talking about Sevendust here, and them being lazy is still better than most. Despite many of the songs sounding the same, I can't deny they still sound great. And the CD does grow on you over time, as you begin to recognize the differences in the songs more and more.

Compared to most of what's out there, this CD is a very good choice; compared to their past, it doesn't quite hold as much water as it should, but still a must have for Sevendust fans. However, new fans would be better suited to look to Animosity instead.