Staind
Confessions Of The Fallen

Twelve long years separate us from the last studio effort by Staind, a band from Springfield, Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Aaron Lewis kicked out long-time drummer Jon Wysocki (after some arguments even documented in the DVD included in their last album together), later replacing him with Sal Giancarelli; he managed to alienate all of democratic America (and even part of the republican side) with some controversial statements and has essentially devoted himself solely to his solo career, releasing four notable country music albums.

After 2014 and some live performances, it seemed that the curtain on Staind's music had fallen, aided by the band's silence, guitarist Mike Mushok's move to Saint Asonia (a supergroup led by Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace), and Lewis's reluctance to talk about the future. In 2017, during a charity concert, the frontman's words seemed to put an end to both live performances and creative endeavors.

The pandemic then kept any intentions of returning to the stage at bay, bringing us to the present day. Through the Evening with Staind Tour held in 2022, the upcoming release of the new studio album and the first new single “Lowest in Me” was announced.

“Confessions of the Fallen” is an album that astonishes, not so much for reigniting an extinguished flame but because it confirmed the talent and quality of a band that, after almost thirty years, knows it still has much to say and give to its audience.

“Lowest in me”, the first track, immediately features references to the distorted riffs of “Open Your Eyes”, which is fittingly the opener of the historically acclaimed “Break The Cycle”, released way back in 2001.

In much of the tracklist, the deep scream returns to brush against the choruses, a calling card of Aaron Lewis, who displays an even more significant vocal maturity, if any further evidence was needed. His octaves reach the peaks of more glorious periods, particularly evident in the power ballad “Here And Now”, with its engaging lyrics and atmosphere.

The darkness and melancholy, typical of the band's sound, permeate the entire work. “Cycle of Hurting” is a clear example of the emotional and reflective swings that the strings of Mike Mushok and Johnny April provoke in the listener's ear. Lewis's intense voice guides us on a backward journey into the past. A past that the frontman has never managed to shake off and has always been a significant source of inspiration for him. The self-referential aspect is evident in “Hate Me Too”, which is a desperate search for self-acceptance and forgiveness.

For the first time, the riffs and percussion are accompanied by electronics, which enriches the sound but partially taints its characteristic trait, drawing evidently from the early untouchable works. This is present from the outset, with a syncopated rhythm, in “Was Any Of It Real”, then as a backdrop to the heavy riff of “The Fray (at times reminiscent of solutions adopted by early Evanescence), and finally slows down the dark and frenetic rhythm of the closing eponymous track “Confessions Of The Fallen”.

There are also stylistic variations, evidenced by “Out of Time” and “In This Condition”, both crafted with fluid arrangements and dynamic twists, creating a hypnotic atmosphere.

In the lyrics, constant melancholy is accompanied by hope. One looks to the darkness of the past and smiles at a bright future, realizing how much one can appreciate the beautiful side of life. Staind tells us this with the splendid “Better Days”. With an eloquent title and an opening with piano notes, it caresses us and fills us with optimism.

“Confessions of the Fallen” is an album that scratches and delves deep into our soul. This is what Staind can do, create a connection with the listeners, aligning everyone's inner conflicts and thoughts. Aaron Lewis has admitted to still being in constant struggle with his problems, and he assures that this is evident in every single piece. The ten tracks were written with the same honesty with which one would confide their sufferings and expectations to an old friend.

The past may have been complicated, may have left traces on the present, but it can be the focus of future change. Not all evil comes to harm, then.

This album is both a tribute to longtime fans and an inviting introduction for those encountering the band's works for the first time. It was, therefore, worth waiting so long.

This is proof that the power of music withstands the ravages of time. Because you fall and rise again, often stronger than before.