:: Break The Cycle

Staind

This album has proved to be Staind’s big break. Debuting at number 1 on the US Billboard charts and doing big business here as well, “Break The Cycle” has suddenly entered Staind into the big league. It’s taken a couple of years of solid touring throughout America, by themselves and with some pretty handy supports for bands like Limp Bizket and Korn. Through this time, they’ve refined their hardcore rock style and come up with this solid release. While they are renowned as a heavy act, the quieter songs on this album probably provide most of the highlights. “Epiphany” is a very good song, a confessional on being confused and unclear in life. “Outside” another ballad is included twice here. The studio version and a live solo acoustic version recorded during the ‘Family Values’ tour that has taken American radio by storm. “Waste” is reminiscent of the sort of power ballads Metallica write; melodic guitar, strangled vocals and moments of heavy riffing. Of the hard rock songs, “For You” stands out with a good chorus and would be a good choice as a later single. No word on whether they will tour downunder yet, but the ‘buzz’ surrounding this band suggests it’s inevitable.
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