by Alex Henderson
Influenced by thrash metal, grunge, industrial, and rap, the Atlanta-based Sevendust had a brutally heavy alternative rock release in its riveting debut, self-titled album. But for all its intensity, Sevendust is a band that, like Living Colour and Nirvana, combines a striking melodic sense with sledgehammer aggression. Though Living Colour is a valid comparison (up to a point), one also hears traces of everyone from Metallica and Anthrax to Faith No More and Ministry here. Sevendust's very dark lyrics are as heavy as its music. &Face& candidly describes a consensual S&M/bondage scenario, while other songs deal with social issues. Addressing such topics as racism (&Black&), depression and schizophrenia (&Too Close to Hate&), and drug addiction (&Wired&), this CD is as arresting lyrically as it is musically.