An Alternative Metal band from Atlanta, Georgia, Sevendust has been keeping themselves busy, between being on the road and inside the studio, in order to show respect and dedication towards their fans and the love for music since their 1997 self-titled debut release. Currently running strong with the original lineup from 1994, members are Lajon Witherspoon (lead vocals), the return of Clint Lowery since 2008 (guitar/vocals), Morgan Rose (drums/vocals), John Connolly (guitar/vocals), and Vince Hornsby (bass). Sustaining a high-quality production is not always easy, however, their albums have always been filled with an emotive energy that many listeners can relate to. This time around, fans were hungry for the release of the eleventh studio album, Kill the Flaw.
A lot of pressure was in store to make this album since 2013’s Black Out the Sun hit number one on Hard Rock charts. After taking the time promoting 2014’s acoustic Time Travelers & Bonfires, which featured favorable tracks such as “Black,” “Denial,” and “Karma,” they also took some time off to catch up with their personal lives. This break and re-discovery led to the rejuvenating album Kill the Flaw via 7Bros Records that was released the day before Witherspoon’s birthday, on October 2nd, 2015.
The album gratifyingly begins with “Thank You,” as it was written to show their own dedication to their fans. Despite the initial meaning, it melodically revives the classic Sevendust sound that many have known to love, especially from 1999’s Home and 2001’s Animosity days. It is impeccably filled with instrumental diversities that move well with the chorus, where it captivates the appreciating emotion, flawlessly. “Death Dance” electronically progresses in next as it morphs with its dark introduction until Witherspoon’s vocals blasts right in. Fluctuation between crunchy guitar riffs and a catchy chorus makes this a well-produced track that connects with the listener.
Heavily exploding into the next track, “Forget” begins with a guitar riff until Witherspoon swoops right in; a start that will have the listener hooked instantly. The thunderous drumming keeps the pace as all instrumentals are on the highest display. Grooving into the next, “Letters” holds an expressive emotion on feeling broken and cursed. Witherspoon bleeds out lyrics that exemplifies such heartache one faces in life with an imminent power with lyrics such as, “like a plague taken over the world.” Echoing in, electronically with an atmospheric introduction, is “Cease and Desist.” A great follow up to the previous track, Witherspoon slowly enters with serene-like vocals. The softness quickly dissipates as it transitions to an adored, classic Sevendust Metal sound. The melodies continue to switch as it keeps the listener on their toes, which include heavy bass lines during instrumental breaks. A guitar solo sneaks in, but placed carefully as it moves perfectly with this track.
As the album reaches the halfway mark with “Not Today,” beastly guitar riffs take flight. Witherspoon vocally powers along with inspiring lyrics including, “Don’t give away what you wanted so long.” The favorable “Chop” opens up with an acoustic-like sound and grows slowly until the vocals set to its catchy pace. There is a unique instrumental break, roughly three minutes in, that continues to keep the listener engaged. Proving to have no dull or filler tracks yet, the title track, “Kill the Flaw,” cuts in. Swaying with riveting drums and dual screams, the guitar licks instrumentally breaks down on yet another promising tone. Ruthlessly striding in, “Silly Beast” monstrously cuts in with a vulgar beat that will have the listener headbanging along.
As the album approaches the near end, the high-quality flame does not wear out. “Peace and Destruction” rips in next with electronic intensity until Witherspoon’s vocals burst in. It sustains a coarse and enjoyable sound up until the closeout. Saving the best for last, “Torched” should be classified as a high-quality Metal track. It moves along with fun rhythms, strong double guitar licks, a captivating chorus, up until its ultimate breakdown finale.
With Kill the Flaw, Sevendust has delivered and is a promising follow-up to 2013’s Black Out The Sun. They continue to inspire with an emotional sound and heartfelt lyrics, as they always have. For this, CrypticRock gives Kill the Flaw a 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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