Staind - "Staind"

The seventh, self-titled album from US metallers Staind draws back on early releases to bring forth an offering to appeal to the die-hard fans.

There is a distinct System of a Down feel to opening track "Eyes wide open" with vocalist Aaron Lewis keen to take you by the ears from the very beginning and not let you go until the last note of the album fades away.

First single "Not again", released just over a week ago, serves as the perfect preview of the album to anyone who catches the track prior to "Staind" hitting the shelves. Chugging guitar riffs and a tremendous vocal performance from Lewis build up a loud and aggressive picture of the album yet to come.

The slow build up to "Falling" provides a brief respite to give you pause to catch your breath before the next track kicks off.

"Wannabe" is one of the most interesting tracks of the album, and is possibly the song most likely to stick with you. With guest vocals from the one and only Snoop Dogg, the song is a blistering attack on the Staind detractors, also serving as a harsh rebuttal from Lewis towards those who criticised the country music direction that his previous solo album had taken.

"Throw it all away", "Take a breath" and "The bottom" veer off into a slower direction, or at least slow in comparison to previous songs.

"Now" ticks all the boxes for a song that is just begging to be played live, before heading into the gruff and growling chugs of "Paper wings" that will please anyone who has been waiting for the metal to truly emerge.

"Something to remind you" closes the album with a simple acoustic melody allowing Lewis to really go to town with his vocals. And go to town he does. A perfect end to the album, leaving in its wake a sense of anticipation for the live shows to come around.

"Staind" is released on September 19^th through Roadrunner Records.