What is a band to do after touring relentlessly for two years behind their self titled debut? What is a band to do after becoming one of the hottest early day first stage acts in Ozzfest history (as they did in 1998)? And what is a band to do after the long slow climb to gold certification status by the RIAA? One up themselves, that's what.
At least that's the challenge Sevendust faced in 1999 as they entered the studio at Long View Farms in North Brookfield, MA. While their debut had been an ok listen, it lacked an awful lot to become the true "classic" album that so many rock fans dubbed it. It had only one real classic track, with a mix of good, bad and ugly for the remainder of the songs.
The band emerged in late 1999 with their second album finished. Home, while not quite matching the sales of the band's debut, went gold as well, although personally I feel it deserved a lot more than a modest gold certification. In fact, I constantly flip flop on whether I like Home or its follow up, 2001's Animosity, better.
The two singles that got modest radio airplay are extremely strong tracks, and in fact, in and of themselves are a sort of microcosm of reasons why this album is better. Denial has a nice slow, almost atmospheric buildup before exploding in a fit of pent up guitar and drum rage. The riff is heavy without being overbearing, and the chorus is more about lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon's soulful voice than the music, a move the band did not make enough on their debut. Waffle, probably my favorite song on the record, with its loud/soft dynamic and the extremely likable chorus ("Bring me a light, make my life worth something more, Show me a light, bring a light!!!").
The band's growth becomes evident throughout the course of the record though. While the band's debut record felt like 2 good singles with mixed results, Home feels like a more complete album, although that's not to say it doesn't have it's faults. Reconnect has a riff that just won't quit, and I don't mean that in a flattering way. With this song, it becomes obvious where some of the "Sevendust just keeps 'chugging' along" arguments come from. In addition, while occasionally I like to listen to Feel So for it's head bobbing groove, more times than not I find myself annoyed by the extra little background noises and bored by the lack of a real gripping guitar riff. And then there's the title track, which, despite some badass drumming from Morgan Rose, cannot be saved from itself and the monotony it contains.
That being said, there is still plenty to like about this disc. Headtrip is a great driving hard rock song with some nice guitar interplay and a good shouting match between Lajon and guitarist Clint Lowery. Licking Cream features a soulful guest appearance from Skunk Anansie's Skin, who brings almost an Amy Lee (of Evanescence) vibe to the song (yes, I realize this album was recorded long before anyone cared about named band, but that's the best comparison).
Lastly, Rumble Fish is completely idiotic, but you know what? I can't help but love it. Man, to sing along to this song while driving on the highway is dangerous, I think it might be the best "adrenaline" song put out by a nu-metal band. I love the whispered aggression put in the bridge ("Get up, get up, get up..."), this thing just makes me want to bang my head in moronic fashion (think Beavis and Butthead).
On the whole, Home is a very good disc, featuring balls to the wall production, a heavy sound that hardly gets boring on repeated listens, and possibly one of the best performances turned in by a heavy metal drummer ever (that's how good Rose is on this disc). I heartily recommend Home. Just don't ask me to choose between it and Animosity.
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