Shinedown
Amaryllis (2lp)
I never want people to be able to put their thumb on this band," declares Shinedown frontman Brent Smith. "I never want anyone to know what we're going to do musically. I want them to be shocked. I want them to be think, They did it again. They surprised me. We like that. We like to challenge our audience."When Smith laid down the gauntlet, it set the tone for the recording of Shinedowns fourth full-length album - the bruising, unapologetic, and totally kinetic Amaryllis. With unflinchingly honest, unrepentant songs like first single "Bully" and "Im Not All Right," as well as the deeply moving "Miracle" and the soulful love song "Ill Follow You," Amaryllis delivers on its mission statement throughout its 12 tracks: "It's not a record for the faint of heart," Smith admits. "Every single song makes a statement. I was looking for the kind of emotion that made every hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Because of that, I feel in my heart and soul that this album is a game changer for our band."