Break the Cycle [PA] (CD - 2001)

Staind: Aaron Lewis (vocals); Mike Mushok (guitar); Johnny "Old School" April (bass); Jon Wysocki (drums).

Recorded at NRG Studios, Los Angeles, California; Longview Farm Studios, North Brookfield, Massachussetts; Southbeach Studios, Miami Beach, Florida; Electric Lady Recording Studio, New York, New York.

This is a Hyper CD, which contains regular audio tracks and also provides a link to the artist's website with the help of a web browser.

Audio Mixers: Andy Wallace; Steve Sisco.

Recording information: Electric Lady Recording Studio, New York, NY; Longview Farm Studios, North Brookfield, MA; NRG Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Southbeach Studios, Miami Beach, FL.

Illustrator: Craig Howell.

The title of Staind's sophomore album refers to the misery passed on from generation to generation; specifically, singer Aaron Lewis' family issues. And Break the Cycle is an issues album -- Lewis' therapy session for all to hear. "For You" reads like a final confession from child to parent ("I am f*cked up because you are"), and on the hit single "It's Been Awhile," he sings, "I cannot blame this on my father." Staind wraps up all this pain in deceivingly melodic packages, sort of like Nirvana's "All Apologies" without the depth. Lewis has a Kurt Cobain-like ache to his voice, which makes the more affecting songs -- like the acoustic version of "Outside" -- genuine (or at least appear that way). Cycle is ultimately no more than 50 minutes of standard-issue desolation, but the softness of many of the tracks gives it compassion, something most of Staind's peers have no time for. ~ Michael Gallucci

Most modern hard rock bands miss the mark by over-emphasizing great riffs and neglecting the importance of complementary vocals. Luckily, such is not the case with Staind, who owe some nods to Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst for career guidance. Durst encouraged vocalist Aaron Lewis to sing more and scream less, which proved to be a key factor in the band's development. The appeal of Staind lies in the purity and fierce emotional integrity of their music, traits seldom seen in heavy rock since Suicidal Tendencies and Pantera ruled the roost.

Lewis's moonlighting as a solo acoustic performer in the band's lean years serves Staind well as BREAK THE CYCLE boasts a well balanced set of thrashy material ("Open Your Eyes" and "Safe Place") offset by more gentle rock ballads ("Fade" and "Suffer"). It is the impact of those ballads that sets Staind apart from their new-metal brethren. The radio-bound "It's Been Awhile" and full-band treatment of "Outside" strike universal chords, effectively capturing the bitterness of regret and facing reality with brooding hopefulness. minimize