Shinedown

Shinedown is loud, heavy and unapologetic rock.
 
Hailing from Jacksonville Florida, Shinedown’s Nick Perri, Eric Bass, Brent Smith, Zach Myers and Barry Kerch have been around for the last 7 years and their newest album, The Sound of Madness shows a maturity that can only come years of hard work. On this, their third album, their talent is paired with that of producer Rob Cavallo whose own Grammy award winning, multi-platinum track record includes work with Green Day, My Chemical Romance, the Goo Goo Dolls and Kid Rock.
 
The best way I know to describe music is by comparison and Shinedown has some parts of their sound that are welcome to my ears. I hear a sound that rockets back to the golden era of grunge, past the commercially-driven post-grunge bands such as Candlebox and Bush to a purer rock sound. I hear a heavier Soundgarden, a more honest Kid Rock and a faster Alice in Chains. At times lead singer Brent Smith’s vocals remind me of both Chris Cornell and more competent Scott Weiland.
 
The most striking comparison I can make – and this is something that really excites me – is the similarities in the chord progressions and arrangements to early 90s obscure rockers Flowerhead (specifically their 1992 release, Ka-Bloom!).
 
Shinedown combines these elements and more with a new twist, creating a grandiose and layered sound that sets them apart from the crowd.
 
Check out the list of Shinedown concerts coming this year, including dates with likes of Jet Black Stare, Buckcherry, Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed. The “photos” section of their site also has a nice collection of Shinedown photos to give you an idea of what kind of concert experience to expect.