Absolutely Amazing Amaryllis Album Review

When I first heard Shinedown’s new album, Amaryllis, I thought it sounded almost cheesy. They weren’t singing about sex, drugs or rock ‘n’ roll, they were singing about friendship, love and broken hearts. But I love Shinedown so I gave them a second chance and they did not fail to deliver! It was then that I noticed the anger and passion the band put into Amaryllis. I realised that although they sounded a bit softer than usual it was obvious they felt strongly about every song they wrote and put a lot of effort into making this amazing album. 

Amaryllis, released March 27^th last year, is the fourth studio album by Shinedown. It follows Leave a Whisper, Us and Them and, my favourite, The Sound of Madness, which sold over a million copies in the US after it’s release. This latest addition to Shinedown’s discography is the softest album of the four. It sounds more like mainstream music than alternative rock and it’s singles have in fact been played on mainstream radio stations such as radio 1.
Shinedown’s previous albums have sounded a lot harder than Amaryllis which appeals to hard core rockers as well as mainstream listeners. In this respect it seems fair to compare Shinedown to Nickelback as both bands write a lot of songs that can be played anywhere, however Shinedown still have a unique hard core rock style. 

Brent Smith, Shinedown’s front man, prides himself on the fact that no two albums sound alike and although I agree to an extent I have to say that every album has a distinct Shinedown style or voice to it. This isn’t a bad thing in my eyes because it's what makes Shinedown so great, it's why they have so many loyal fans and it's what makes them distinctive and sets them apart from other bands.

Shinedown always include amazing guitar work and catchy melodies in their music which makes their sinking lyrics even more emotive. You honestly can’t help but get angry or excited with them and sing you lungs out! (Possibly while rocking out on your air guitar when no one’s looking as well) I strongly suggest that anyone and everyone listens to Amaryllis, it is a truly touching album. 

Thanks for listening to Rach :)