aglasshouse Several months ago I stumbled on the American alt. metal band Staind. From what I gathered about them, they were one of the largest figureheads during the nu-metal uprising of the 90's, especially with their 1996 release of Tormented. Although short lived, Staind made a decent impact on the nu and sort of pop-metal before they changed drastically. The 1990's ended with Dysfunction (1999), which similarly followed the path that Tormented did, except perhaps with more creative integration. This leads us ultimately into the 2000's, the explosion of more alternative metal bands, and still even more nu-metal bands.

Staind had decided to take a different course from it's relative bands. Alternative metal had been a style that has existed since the mid 80's, and the band decided to break into a new outfit in early 2001 with Break the Cycle. The sound was of course completely different (and it might be coincidental, but Fred Durst, the front-man of the infamously hated nu-metal band Limp Bizkit, did not produce the album, for he had on the release of Dysfunction), and was in fact even more enjoyable. Break the Cycle still has remnants and fragments of the 90's nu-metal band tropes, especially with gritty lyrics and exceptionally vivid crunching riffs. This album, unlike it's counterparts, was even more focused on the aspect of the corrupt society of the United States, especially during the early 00's. With backbiting criticism of their environment, Staind's 2001 release is perhaps their greatest to date.

Break the Cycle's opening, 'Open Your Eyes', is most definitely my favorite on the album. When it comes to social commentary, this song not only rocks the entire album but also makes to be one of my favorite in it's category. As a writing enthusiast, I cannot help but notice the tone of the entire song, transforming our seemingly normal society into a dark and almost hellish place by concentrating on our worst problems in the time of four minutes. No matter who you are, this song with get your attention. The driving and slamming chords, crunchy riffs and exceptional vocal abilities from Lewis, this song drives a clean home run in my heart. More songs that I love is 'It's Been Awhile', with an almost Theory Of a Deadman quality, the catchy and F-bomb ridden, lyrically self-explanatory 'Waste', and 'For You'.

For an overall summary, this album is really great. I love listening to it every time I pick it up, and I'm sure if you're a fan of alternative metal you'll like it too.