Sevendust

All I See Is War

After 24 years and 11 previous studio albums, Sevendust know what they’re doing. However, rather than merely settling for being formulaic, they’ve brought in producer Michael ‘Elvis’ Baskette to shake things up a little. As a result, this is the Atlanta band’s best album in years.

The tough nu metal edge is still obvious throughout, with Clint Lowery’s guitar driving the music as Lajon Witherspoon lays out impassioned vocals.

But what you get on songs like Dirty, Unforgiven and Sickness is a sense that the band are pushing to bring out more from the arrangements, thereby ensuring there’s greater depth to the performances. You can hear this best on the almost industrial agitation of Risen and the softer Not Original.

Still with their original line-up, Sevendust have made a solidly emphatic musical statement.

■■■■■■■■■■

malcolm Dome

Prime ’Dust music, with the occasional twist.