Band : Staind
Album Title : The Illusion Of Progress
Label : Roadrunner Records
Distribution : CNR – Concreteweb Promotion Office.
Release date : 08/09/2008
Review : CD

“The Illusion Of Progress” is the sixth album from the American alternative rock/metal band Staind.
The band was formed in 1995 in Springfield, Massachusetts and was discovered by Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit in the heydays of the NU metal era.
The foursome had great success with the albums “Dysfunction” (1999) and “Break The Cycle” (2001) which featured the hit singles “It’s Been Awhile” and “Outside”.
In less then a decade, they sold over 15 million records worldwide and reached three times in a row the n° 1 position in the American album charts.
Typical characteristics of Staind are the heartfelt vocals of singer Aaron Lewis and the combination of heavy rock/metal songs with sensitive ballads.
“The Illusion Of Progress” sounds less (NU) metal and post-grunge-flavoured than the previous albums, but contains a good balance of ballads and poppy rock songs.
Other big difference in contrast to the tormented, haunting lyrics of the previous albums is the sense of optimism that the lyrics spread around.
One has to admit, Staind are great at what they are doing, they really have a good success formula in their hands and the well hasn’t dried out yet.
I guess this new album from Staind will easily sell half a million copies in the USA or even more.
The hit machine works without too many risks and the polished sound provides enough quality.
“The Illusion Of Progress” was produced by Johnny K (for instance Disturbed, 3 Doors Down, Finger Eleven, Plain White T’s, Black Tide, Machine Head, Soil, Unloco) and contains 15 songs with a playing time of 66 minutes.
Highlights are the opening track "This Is It", "The Way I Am", the first single “Believe”, “Save Me”, the second single “All I Want”, "Break Away", "Rainy Day Parade" and “Nothing Left To Say”.
As exclusive international bonus tracks, “It’s Been Awhile” and “Schizophrenic Conversations” are included in an acoustic version, recorded at the Hiro Ballroom.
Staind has planned a European tour for early 2009, with a date in the Netherlands on February 8th 2009 in 013, Tilburg, but apparently without a date in Belgium.

75/100

Erik.