Godsmack - When Legends Rise Review

Review by Karyssa Leigh

Godsmack, having been around since 1995, is known for their dark, grungy, alternative hard rock.
Frontman Sully Erna’s deep vocals can be picked out of a crowd, and the group’s sound is nothing short
of unique and distinguishable. From Metal Edge Readers Choice to Boston Music Awards, and Billboard
to the Grammy’s, Godsmack continues to show us why they deserve the eight nominations and ten wins
they have received. It’s 2018 and as the band gets older, they just hit harder. The new record, When
Legends Rise, is set to drop April 27 th , 2018. Drum roll please!

No, literally. The album starts off hot off the press with a rhythmic drum roll, which is quite symbolic of
what they’re about to deliver. The first track starts the album off with a punch to the gut and a catchy
chorus, fun riffs and powerful drumming. When returning to the roots of their 1999 hit “Voodoo”, you
see a major difference. The band has taken on a more alternative rock sound, more like that of Breaking
Benjamin or System Of A Down, rather than their grungy hard rock they carried when they first started.
Is this change bad though? The complete opposite. They’ve gradually moved away from an
unapologetically dark sound, and more into an alt sound and they’ve perfected it with this record. Of
course, this wouldn’t be a good rock album without a ballad—which is a beautiful love song.

But the records key point to touch on isn’t just about the sound; it’s the message. Listening to the lyrics
of this album, there’s a lot of mention on rising above. This album sends an incredibly positive message
about bettering yourself, opening up, holding yourself to a higher standard, and being the person you
want to be. It’s going to be one of the top influential albums of 2018.

Godsmack hit the mark with this album. Metal, alternative, and rock n roll fans alike will fall in love with
this record. The bar has been set, try to top it.