Search - Staind :: Chapter V

Something Old, Something New.

Andrew Estes | Maine | 08/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, one thing you'll notice upon your first listen to Staind's new album, "Chapter V," is that frontman Aaron Lewis seems to have moved past the "high on life" attitude he toted throughout much of 2003's ironically titled "14 Shades Of Grey." Not to say he's angry again, but gone are such sweet ballads as "So Far Away" and "Zoe Jane." If "Chapter V" is like any Staind album, it's probably best compared to "Break The Cycle." Taking turns between moody, introspective ballads and raw, in your face cuts that are likely to inspire a moshpit. Although they are far from reinventing themselves, Staind take a little bit of their past, and update it, and mix it up with feelings of today. In the past,they took things to extremes. If you wanted to kill yourself, "Tormented" would be your soundtrack. If you finally found inner happiness, "14 Shades Of Grey" would be your cup of tea. "Chapter V" takes the challenge of balancing all those emotions. From low lows, to high highs, all the bases are covered on this one album. I think it's safe to say that Staind have created an album that will appeal to most everyone.



With David Botrill (Tool, Silverchair) producing, and with guitarist Mike Mushok sporting a lush head of hair, Staind are back. "Chapter V" begins with one of the best, "Run Away," which takes things to a new level for the group. Mushok's guitar parts are more expressive than ever, and truly define this one song. It's a perfect way to kick off things, with a song that carries so many dynamics, much like the entire album itself. Fans of the group will find familiar fare in the mid-tempo, semi-ballads "Right Here" and "Schizophrenic Conversations," but the group truly reaches it's peak with the mezmerizing and touching "Everything Changes." On the other end of the spectrum, "Paper Jesus" and "Falling" will most likely appease fans of "Tormented" or "Dysfunction." It's important to note that the lyrical content of this album takes things in a whole new direction. Aaron seems to be a bit more ambiguous this time around with his messages, which is actually quite refreshing, from someone who wore his feelings on his sleeve for four albums prior. The tone of the album is neither negative, nor positive. Yes, the man found happiness, as was well documented on the last album, but he obviously still is living on planet Earth and still has things on his mind, which is what "Chapter V" is all about. It's not whiney, it's not preachy. It's not angry, it's not joyful. It is quite simply, human.



While the album as a whole isn't perfect, it is still a five star album in my eyes, for it takes Staind to a whole new level. Now, at their fifth album (wow, time flies), they seem to be settling into a comfort zone, where they can handle all dynamics, where they are above and beyond the competition. The musicianship on here is excellent, a notch above, and Aaron's vocal deliver is stellar as always. Anyone who has followed Staind this far will find much cause for celebration with this album."

Stop Hatin'

hellrun | wisconsin | 08/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Poor Staind. No one ever seems to understand them. Their first two albums, "tormented" and "dysfunction" were hits, showcasing staind's heavy blend of hard rock, and frontman Aaron Lewis's screwed up family angst. But after "dysfunction" staind started to play down the heaviness, and focus on their musical abilities. Lewis dropped the screaming for the most part, but his angst stayed the same. Still, all the wimps hiding behind their message boards talked crap.

With this, their fifth release, Staind continue pretty much where "break the cycle" and "14 shades of grey left off" the lead single, right here, is a breathtaking piece, followed by many more. I recently saw Staindwith three days grace and hurt on the Jagermeister world tour, and their show was a breathtaking experience for me, my girlfriend and our 2 friends.

So everyone who doesnt believe in evolution...stop talkin crap and go listen to your crappy pop-emo bands.........stop disrespecting legitimate artists like staind"

And the hits just keep on coming...

firesoul51 | USA | 08/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While some may argue that Staind is becoming too soft compared to their earlier albums like Tormented and Dysfunction, that sentiment hasn't stopped them from putting out another great album packed with hits. This album blends their "hard core" metal beginnings with their greatly developed musical talents and abilities and the result is friggin brilliance. Aaron's vocals and Mike's guitar make this album worth buying."