June 5, 2006 - Two and a half years after Godsmack released The Other Side they are back in true form with IV (four), the first major production done exclusively by frontman Sully Erna. The fact that this was his first major project had people wondering exactly how different this album would be. If you were one of the few who were hoping that this album would hold something new, something different from the norm for our favorite Boston based rockers then you wont be disappointed.

Erna does stray slightly from the cookie cutter Godsmack that we have grown to love in the past. Erna gives this album a bluesier, New Orleans vibe and its jazzy undertones can be heard profoundly on songs such as Shine Down with its killer harmonica intro. All the while still maintaining that raspy, dirty, tongue in cheek, rock and roll feel. Lisa Guyer's vocal accompaniment on the song Hollow gives the album a feeling of simplistic purity. The sort of morose feel that is prevalent throughout the entire album and is what gives Godsmack their Zepplenesque feel.

For all of you loyalist fans out there don't go getting too cantankerous on me just yet there are still many of the standard Godsmack qualities that have kept you packing out stadiums for the past eight years. On the first single Speak we see Erna stick to true form with this grungy, radio friendly song. Closing off the album Living In Sin has the same hard hitting, push you through the wall drums that are a staple on any Godsmack album.

With its April debut Godsmack topped the Billboard 200 charts, again, although getting needlessly bashed by critics on every media platform. However harsh the critics have been Godsmack still has a way of packing out stadiums, selling over 200,000 copies in their first week and preparing to tour the world, proving once again that some things do get better with age.

Godsmack

Godsmack is:
Sully Erna - Vocals & Stuff
Tony Rombola - Guitar
Robbie Merill - Bass
Shannon Larkin - Drums

Godsmack is from Boston, Ma and tour on a regular basis. Visit the official Godsmack page.

To sample music log onto the Godsmack page at myspace.com.

CD Review by Melissa Deskovic - © 2006 - Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.