Search - Staind :: Dysfunction

Surprise Surprise

David Baker | Nosgoth | 05/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Someone recommended Staind to me saying they're like KoRn. Though I like KoRn, I didn't care because I don't listen to metal all that much, but I decided to try something new, so here I am. I'm really impressed with the purchase. Staind, while owing to KoRn somewhat, are more like our (well, mine anyways) fallen Seattle heros, especially Soundgarden and Alice In Chains. For the 13-year-olds, that's a very high praise (and if you like KoRn and Staind, you'll love those two). Instead of the usual loud racket, bad attitude, talentless metal bands (that's why I rarely listen to it), Staind are very thoughtful. Some very smart lyrics, amazing musicians, topped off with a smooth flow, and you have "Dysfunction". Don't worry though, if it's hard rock you want, you've come to the right place. Mike Mushok can deliver very crunchy riffs with a sense of melody, not catchy, but it will keep the listener tuned. He's a very good guitarist and he should be one to look out for in the future. Thankfully, the rest of the band members are just as talented. Johnny April is just as good as Mike, Jon Wysocki is an amazing drummer and Aaron Lewis has a very beautiful voice, very deep like Eddie Vedder's but just as crystal clear. But what's a band without any good songs? Staind have plenty, even though you only get ten (secret song at the end), these ten songs will keep those who listen very happy. "Suffocate" is a great opener, couldn't have had a better one. "Just Go", "Mudshovel" and "Home" are the singles, I love them too. "Me" is a really beautiful song that may not find a place with metal heads because of it's slow pace, no matter, their loss. "Raw", "A Flat", "Crawl" and "Spleen" are very heavy songs, and they rock, I love them too. The secret song is an acoustic song, if you hated "Me" for it's slow pace don't bother, but it's really a touching amongst the heavy tunes. You should at least here it once. So there you go, a very solid CD that I normally wouldn't have bought but I'm glad I did. If you want something heavy, but not too heavy, I can't recommend this enough."

Dysfunction...the epitome of rock fusion

bigphil | Irvine, CA | 12/11/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Take the vocal talents of Steve Weiland (STP), Layne Staley (Alice in Chains),and Kurt Cobain(duh), mix them all together, add a little bit of Bizkit, (musically not lyrically) a couple of well placed Jonathan Davis growls and you have one of the most uniquely original bands to date...STAIND. For those of you who think this is Korn lite you are horribly wrong. Most of those people are the ones that didn't like this ablum simply because they're looking for the wrong type of music. Staind fuses the sounds of good old days of grunge vocals with modern crunchy guitars to produce something completely different than what you expect. By listening to thier first single "Mudshovel" I am amazed at how many peole miss the fact that the lead singer sings a melody similar to the way Kurt sung "In Bloom". On other tracks, such as "Me", the guitars whine and sway like the once great Alice in Chains while the INTENSE lyrical subject matter let you know that this ain't yer daddy's music! Most times, the lyrics on Dysfunction are leaps and bounds more thought out and poetic than most Korn lyrics I've heard(issues excluded). The lyrics are very introspective at times and are well written reminicent of "Dirt" by Alice in Chains. For these reasons Dysfunction is simply in a class by itself. Because Staind uses the best elements of some of the greatest modern rock bands they can't really be put into the same class as Korn & Bizkit. All in all when you purchase this ablum don't look for a Korn or Bizkit sound alike. Look for soul searching lyrics, Groovin riffs and a great vocalist. Everything else will fall in to place and you will see what I mean. 4 starz cuz there is ALWAYs room for improvement."

Better than Issues

Anthony | 12/12/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazing 'cause no one really sounds like them.This isn't rap/metal,this is hard rock or alt/metal that leans towards the metal side more often than not,despite the occasional hip-hop beats.The only reason I say alternative because of the hidden track,which is called "Black Rain" if i'm not mistaken,which is acoustic.The band is amazing with some serious talent.The guitars are great,"Raw",and the bass is too like in "Mudshovel" both Mike and Johnny should be proud.Jon does an excellent job on this album mixing heavy metal-type drumming with furious hip-hop beats that I love.Aaron Lewis though has to be heard.His vocals are like Eddie Vedder and lyrics are some of the best i've heard in a long,long time.The lyrics are thought provoking and are way better then you think. "Just Go" is the perfect example of this bands talent and Aaron's ability to come up with moving lyrics.The first five songs are easily the best and way better then any thing i've heard in a very long time."Suffocate" and "Raw" totally rock."Just Go" and "Mudshovel" are the two amazing singles."Me" is kinda slow but I love it and Aaron's voice sounds so hurt.The rest range from good to great "A Flat" being the best.The hidden track is the best song on the album 'cause it's so emotional and hauntingly beautiful.It reminds me of Nirvana's "Something In The Way".Both songs have production problems,Kurt used a broken guitar and Aaron's voice sounds like he was in a hallway,but both are touching, brilliant,and show undeniable talent.Please give this a try, you'll love it."