Massachusetts hard rockers Godsmack are back with their recently released seventh studio album “When Legends Rise.” The new record consists of eleven brand new tunes that are the perfect combination of heavy, thundering rock and glorious, catchy melodies. Nobody does this quite like Godsmack and the result is one of the most powerful Godsmack albums yet.
Kicking things off is the title track “When Legends Rise,” a powerful anthem that has already been used by the WWE as the theme song for the Greatest Royal Rumble. Sonically it has a classic Godsmack feel. That track is followed by the single “Bulletproof.” This song is radio friendly with both a catchy hook and sing along type chorus. One of the first things I noticed on this record are the vocals of Sully Erna. They are coming in crisp and clear and more prominent in the mix than ever before which works really well especially with some of the more melodic songs. There is a nice choir used on parts of “Unforgettable” lending a light, freshness to the soaring chorus of the song. A timeless piano tone opens up the slower “Under Your Scars” with a poignant vocal performance by Erna. This is about as close to a ballad as Godsmack gets. Guitarist Tony Rombola’s percussive guitar work is outstanding and the powerhouse rhythm section of bassist Robbie Merrill and drummer Shannon Larkin are relentless in their ferocity especially on the adrenaline fueled “Say My Name.” Closing out the album is my favorite track “Eye of the Torm,” which opens with a truly unforgettable riff and closes with the sounds of distant thunder.
“When ashes fall, the legends rise” and so does Godsmack with one of their best records to date.
