Staind’s forthcoming album (available August 19th) The Illusion of Progress comes attached with much hype, considering the group’s last three efforts entered the Billboard Charts at the #1 spot, a feat only accomplished by U2, Dave Matthews Band, System of a Down, Van Halen and Disturbed. Staind began their career as another nu metal band in a sea of Korn clones, but their 2001 effort—the appropriately titled Break the Cycle—showed the group focus their efforts on creating radio-friendly, hard rock songs with a strong emphasis on vocal melodies. Singles like “It’s Been Awhile” thrust the group into the lime light, where they remains to this day.

The Illusion of Progress offers little deviation from the hook-heavy compositions demonstrated on their last three Billboard-busting efforts. Staind kicks off The Illusion of Progress with arguably the album’s strongest track, “This is it.” This track contains a greater amount of attention paid to dynamics. Aaron Lewis and band gradually build subtle Pink Floyd-like melodies, releasing this emotive energy at the arrival of the chorus. The dynamics of this track have always been a key factor in the group making memorable hooks, which is the case here, but the Pink Floyd influence and Lewis’ dual-sided vocal approach present new avenues for the band.

“This is it” has enough radio sensibilities to make it a hit single, but Staind already planned on using “Believe.” This track works a similar formula as the above song. The verse lines have a closed quality that opens bit by bit, until it reaches a heartfelt crescendo during the choral lines. “Believe” has Mike Mushok plucking clear notes from an acoustic guitar. His electric guitar is much less obvious than “This Is It,” which could be said for the duration of the album.

One aspect of “Believe” that separates it from the other tracks is the song’s uplifting tone. Lewis’s voice reflects well the song’s theme of hope. Although the album doesn’t convey an overwhelming sense of sadness in the music, the album title and song titles relate morose thoughts and emotions. The Illusion of Progress has a skeptical, hopeless ring, while the two consecutive tracks bearing rain in their title—“Raining Again” and “Rainy Day Parade” paint a grey, dismal picture. The later track features subtle blues leads and a large bass sound, which next to “This Is It,” make this song one of the heavier tracks on the album.

Staind has found a formula proven commercially successful. This formula is one perfected by most bands found on the radio. Aaron Lewis is at the center of the formula. His voice dictates the musical highs and lows found on each song. In this regard, The Illusion of Progress stays consistent with past efforts. The slight blues and psychedelic elements combined with Lewis pushing his voice to greater heights shows a progression, though. These additions slightly modify their sound, but do not represent a major change. By and large, The Illusion of Progress should satisfy their fans expectations. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this album enter the charts at a fourth #1 position.

www.staind.com