GODSMACK - The Oracle

Album: The Oracle
Artist: Godsmack
Label: Spinefarm Records UK

Deciding to leave behind the drum-kit in exchange for being the frontman of a band with his vocals, was probably the best decision Sully Erna could have made in his career. The man's voice is without a doubt one that can draw you in from a mile away. 'The Oracle' is the Boston-based foursome's fifth studio album and it's been topping the charts in the US.

The first track to burst into play is 'Cryin' Like A Bitch!!'. Well, Godsmack deliver there; No more than 30 seconds after listening, it's hard not to get hooked; powerful riffs and gut wrenching vocal talent really draw you in. Soon after it finishes, the album flows into the heavy bass-intro'd track "Saints and Sinners", upping the feeling of intensity that 'The Oracle' provokes. Catchy and aesthetic vocals mixed with the melodic yet heavy riffs, this track sets your soul on fire and keeps you fuelled for that rise on up.

Having a quick break after such a high rise in energy isn't uncommon, and is certainly welcome. 'Love-Hate-Sex-Pain' is like that cigarette after an intense night of passion. It's calming. It's satisfying. It's still that little bit naughty. But once that cigarette is over, like the following track 'What If?', you're ready to dive right back into the deep end. That passion builds and builds and sets into the pit of your stomach, tightening and exciting your core. (yes we are talking about the album here) This track offers softer sounding vocals, but with the gravelly bass sound emphasised perfectly by the dark, sultry guitar riffs alongside. This burning 6 and a half minute beauty is hardcore and it'll certainly leave you with a craving for more.

Finally, the title track 'The Oracle' brings the album to a close spectacularly. A soft intro which rises until taking you to the peak of ecstasy and then blows your mind with instrumental delicacies. Another 6 minute track, 'The Oracle' is a definite must for true music fans everywhere, who can appreciate the pure talent and mastery of making those lumps of wood, string and skin, sing like that fat bird at the Opera.

Godsmack prove their worth in gold with this fifth chart-topper! Instrumentally enticing and vocally empowering, 'The Oracle' is definitely one album that will be doing some hard time in your CD player! Some bands are constantly experimenting with their creativity to see what they can push out to break the barriers of genre and some with great success in doing so. Godsmack stay true to who they are without sounding repetitive. They crank it up a few notches to produce one hell of a cracking album.

This album will be released in the UK on June 28th 2010 via Spinefarm Records UK.

Track List:

1. Cryin' Like A Bitch!!
2. Saints and Sinners
3. War and Peace
4. Love-Hate-Sex-Pain
5. What If?
6. Devil's Swing
7. Good Day To Die
8. Forever Shamed
9. Shadow Of A Soul
10. The Oracle