Godsmack
The Oracle

Godsmack...Alice In Chains, Faceless...Facelift. The parallel is evident, perhaps a bit too much.

The group fronted by Salvatore Paul Erna is coasting a bit on previous successes and thanks to the value of the band they obviously are inspired by.

Since 1998, from the self-titled work, the dominant characteristics were the aggressiveness of the riffs, the easy listening, all framed by a stunning voice somewhat similar to Layne Staley, somewhat to James Hetfield.

From the second album, the evolution is clear: from "Awake" to "Faceless," a well-crafted backdrop for video games and films, followed by "The Other Side" with Tony Rombola’s six-string and Sully’s voice blending almost perfectly in the first acoustic EP, leading up to "IV" in 2006. During all this time, we have savored 10 years of Godsmack, which unfortunately haven't been fully enjoyed. The common denominator of all the CDs has been the lack of originality and faithfulness to Alice in Chains.

Finally, from May 4, we have the chance to lend an ear to "The Oracle," an album that does not present any change, unfortunately, the style has remained the same: powerful riffs leading to catchy choruses but that lack interesting or musically refined aspects. The technique is indisputable, Shannon Larkin, the amazing drummer, always impresses me. The power of the sound is equally impeccable.

No track stands out particularly, after all, as the singer declared, a change would be useless or almost, considering the albums sold and the numerous fans. Indeed, the fans are many, and I am one of them, but we cannot always listen to the same Godsmack, I want a change as I think many other supporters do. My 3 stars indicate the technique and the enjoyment in listening to the fantastic group's career products but in terms of originality, this latest "effort" would deserve one star, aimed at the economic aspect of music more than the pleasure of composing. In conclusion, an album not to buy (a useless waste given the possibility of accessing music nowadays) but to listen to, hopeful that the Massachusetts band will not limit themselves to listening only to Alice in Chains and will be able to evolve as they did in the past.

Happy listening.