![]() The first song the band released from the album though was a “rock” called “Devour,” which was mediocre at best and lacked the real depth the band had on their first two albums. Produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance), he brought in a more “pop” sound to the band. The album entitled The Sound Of Madness saw a different sound for the band. Also an outside songwriter was brought in to help singer Brent Smith make and complete the album. Guitarist Jasin Todd and Brad Stewart were fired from the band. Their third album saw a big line up change and that also was a drastic change to the band. Granted it was great exposure but that was what really set off the change in the band. That song was “I Dare You.” Also it didn’t help that during that year on American Idol, Chris Daughtry would perform the song on the show. Even though Us and Them was a very rocking record with songs like “Heroes,” Save Me,” “Yer Majesty,” and “Begin Again,” there was one song on the album that teetered toward the cross over side. Guitarist Jasin Todd, bassist Brad Stewart and drummer Barry Kerch all made this band something special and provided the “balls” the band needed. The band that accompanied singer Brent Smith was absolutely stellar. Us And Them, their second album, was released in 2005. It was still rock and hard but also had this brightness to it that let everyone in the band shine. When it came time for their second album, the guys in the band all worked together and truly developed their sound. They had this energy playing that legendary stage and venue and you could feel their hunger and love of what they were doing. ![]() One such show was at the Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles and it was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen there. They had something that a lot of bands out during that time were lacking and that was true substance. I saw them a couple times during this album run and they were an awesome live band. So when their album finally came out, needless to say I was excited and it didn’t disappoint. I remember first getting a 2 song cd sampler which had the songs “Fly From The Inside” and “No More Love.” Those two songs were awesome and it set me on the path of anticipation for their album. It had all the right parts of heaviness and melody along with a singer that could actually sing. When I first heard the band back in 2003, I thought to myself that this band could be the one to really bring back “rock music.” Their debut album Leave A Whisper was powerful and rocking. One band I’d like to discuss this happening to is Shinedown. Remember “It’s Been A While?” That song catapulted the band to new heights and brought in a whole different audience. So many bands still have “that one song” that can hit the mark with a specific audience. Back in the 80’s at the height of the “hair metal” era, the “power ballad” was a way to break into the mainstream and cross over to a different audience. There is something that happens to rock bands though that leads them down the wrong path and they wind up losing their way. Rock music is alive and well but certain people and radio will lead you to believe that it isn’t. From bands from the 60’s all the way till today, there is no denying the impact rock music has had on me and the rest of the world. As far back as I can remember rock music has been for me.
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