Shinedown - Threat to Survival

Shinedown are a four piece band from Jacksonville, Florida. They have been around since 2001 and although only the drummer, Barry Kerch and vocalist, Brent Smith have been in the band the whole time. They have had a settled line up since 2008.  I have only actually been listening to the band for the last few weeks and had never heard of them before hearing new single "Devil" on You tube.  Now that single is off the new album "Attention, Attention" which is out in May. So this review is focusing on their last album which was their 5th: "Threat to Survival".

From my very limited knowledge of Shinedown's history, they seem to be a rock act who have gone through various styles of rock over the years. "Threat to Survival" sees them in full flow showing a band that have found what they are good at. You won't find any guitar solos or high pitched wailing on this record. But what you will find are well polished, straight to the point, hard rock songs.  I say songs because it feels more like a group of  similar songs on an album. Rather than what I would call a proper album that takes you on a journey of ups and downs, peaks and troughs, although there are some slightly lighter moments.  Nothing wrong with this approach though.

The first three songs on the album really seem like the album is a bit front loaded in terms of quality. This is because "Asking for it", "Cut the cord" and "State of my head" are absolutely awesome. I especially like "Cut the cord" just because of the way Brent Smith delivers the actual chorus and the sound of his vocals as he sings "Cut the cord".  "State of my head" is another one which is genius on a few levels as the lyrics match the actual song the riff feels like you are in some sort of dizzy trance while still rocking out.

5th track "How did you love" is the power rock ballad of the album. It's still a pretty heavy song and works really well. Another highlight include "Dangerous" where at one point where he sings "Everybody...." it feels like he is going to delve into the Tears for Fears song "Everybody wants to rule the world" but quickly after singing "Everybody..." they move in a different direction. "Black Cadalic" another excellent hard rock song. "Thick as theives" is another one which deserves as mention, slightly more chilled out than the other tracks. I have mentioned so many songs here and even the songs I haven't mentioned are still good.

Overall this is a quality album and I'm so glad I have discovered Shinedown ahead of their hotly anticipated 6th album.  I also look forward to discovering more of their back catalogue and hopefully get to see them live in the near future.