While it was announced that 2023’s Lighting Up the Sky would be Godsmack’s final studio album, there has been no lack of exciting happenings since. In fact, the band has partaken in some heavy touring in support of the album in 2023, which included The Vibez Tour (intimate evenings of acoustic/electric performances and untold stories from the band), plus the co-headlining run with Staind.
Beyond this, in October of 2023, Godsmack released their 1998 mega debut self-titled album to vinyl for the first time ever. Something that excited a sector of fans who still appreciated the ritual of listening to music long form without interruptions with the artwork in hand, little did everyone know was that more was on the way. Breaking it down, Godsmack released their 2000 sophomore album Awake to vinyl on May 17, 2024, followed by 2003’s Faceless to vinyl on August 9th.
Following this trend as an outsider looking in, you would have to imagine the next vinyl reissue on the docket would be 2006’s IV, right? Of course, it arrived on November 15th through Republic/Ume. Godsmack’s fourth album, by the time 2006 arrived, the band had completely solidified themselves as one of the leaders on the modern Hard Rock scene. Coming off the success of two top-five albums on the Billboard 200 (Awake peaking at 5, Faceless at 1), the band was determined to push the envelope of their sound a bit further.
Explaining this, the recording sessions found Godsmack writing an album for the first time in years without a deadline or while on the road. With the ability to dig their heels deeper, Band Leader Sully Erna reeled back control a bit more. This is while Guitarist Tony Rombola, Bassist Robbie Merrill, and Drummer Shannon Larkin all took on a larger role in the writing process.
Making for an extremely collaborative effort, lyrically, Erna shows signs of maturity through self-reflective, confessional songs like “Livin’ in Sin” and the haunting “Hollow” (which features Lisa Guyer on backing vocals, who eventually would work with Erna on several solo albums). Being two of the album’s most stunning songs, no one can forget experiencing Godsmack opening their live set in 2006 on tour alongside Rob Zombie and Shinedown with “Livin’ in Sin” having a striking video playing out perfectly in the backdrop.
A moment engraved in your memory, the remainder of IV has numerous powerful impacts, including the huge number 1 hit “Speak,” along with number 4 hits “Enemy” and “Shine Down.” Not to be overshadowed, there was also the intense “No Rest for the Wicked” and enchanting “Voodoo Too,” which was a fitting sequel to the 1998 fan-favorite “Voodoo.”
There is so much to talk about, and some may even argue that IV is one of their favorites from Godsmack. Richly textured, possessing very personal lyrics, and finding Godsmack as tight as ever, the album also features co-production from Andy Johns, the legendary engineer behind many of Led Zeppelin’s most iconic recordings. Beyond this, IV also holds the record for the longest Godsmack studio album, clocking in at just over an hour, and it features some pretty lengthy pieces such as “One Rainy Day.”
Undoubtedly, the time and place in which IV was created make it a special part of Godsmack history. Selling 211,000 copies in the U.S. in its first week of release, it debuted at #1 on the Billboard chart, at #4 on the Top Canadian Albums, and #1 on the Top Internet Albums. Now, sounding better than ever for this vinyl release, to start with, the new pressing features remastered audio. Dynamic and powerful, the remastering is pressed to a classic black vinyl, but there is also a limited edition of red and black marble vinyl as an online exclusive. Either a great option for fans, the album is split into two 45rpm LPs, packaged in a lovely gatefold vinyl, and is of the highest quality.
As we wrap up 2024, Godsmack has planned a March into April 2025 tour around European countries with P.O.D. and Drowning Pool. This is one killer lineup of bands, and it should prove exciting for many fans abroad. However, before jumping too far ahead, be sure to pick up Godsmack’s IV on vinyl, as Cryptic Rock gives it 5 out of 5 stars.
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