Sevendust
Encyclopedia
Sevendust is an American heavy metal
band from Atlanta, Georgia
. Formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby
, drummer Morgan Rose
and guitarist John Connolly
. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon
and guitarist Clint Lowery
joined the group. Following a few name changes, the members settled on the name Sevendust and released their self-titled debut on April 15, 1997.
The self-titled debut
sold 311 copies its first week. However, through touring and TVT
support, the album gained charting success through Billboard
and earned gold certification
. Since formation, Sevendust has released eight studio albums, earned additional charting success and gold sales certifications. Their eighth studio album, titled Cold Day Memory
, was released on April 20, 2010. They have also re-released their self-titled debut album
as Sevendust: Definitive Edition which contains five new tracks and a DVD.
Rumblefish was short-lived, however, because they found another band with the same name. They renamed themselves Crawlspace, and released My Ruin on the Mortal Kombat
soundtrack album entitled More Kombat
through TVT Records
in 1996. Shortly after, another band named Crawlspace sent notice that they wanted $50,000 for the rights to their name. Rather than purchase the rights, the band members chose to rename themselves Sevendust.
Sevendust released their self-titled debut
on April 15, 1997, known for its heavy riffs, angry vocals and thrash-like drumming, as the songs Black and Bitch. Black was the opening song for nearly every Sevendust concert until 2004. The debut album also contains the song My Ruin, from the Mortal Kombat soundtrack. Sevendust appeared on the Billboard 200
, remained there for sixteen weeks and peaked at 165 on April 4, 1998. The album went gold
on May 19, 1999.
In 1998, Sevendust performed at Dynamo Open Air
(May 29–31) and Ozzfest 1998
(July through August). In the same year they released a compilation called Live and Loud
which featured live footage of the bands September 16, 1998 performance at Chicago's Metro.
. The album peaked at 19 on the Billboard 200 and featured Skin from Skunk Anansie
and Chino Moreno
from Deftones
as guest vocalists. The two singles from the album, "Denial" and "Waffle", gave the band moderate chart success, and the latter of which was played on the Late Night with Conan O'Brien
show. They appeared in Woodstock 1999
and have toured with many bands such as Korn
, Staind
, Nonpoint
, Reveille
, Godsmack
, Mudvayne
, Mushroomhead
, Powerman 5000
, Creed
, Kid Rock
, Machine Head
, Limp Bizkit
, Disturbed, and Metallica
. In 1999, they gained European exposure by opening for Skunk Anansie at various shows in Germany. They also opened with Kid Rock and Ted Nugent for Metallica on New Year's Eve in 1999 at the Pontiac Silverdome near Detroit, Michigan. They also joined Slipknot
, Coal Chamber
and other bands on the Tattoo the Earth
Tour in June 2000.
In November 2001, the band released their third album, Animosity
. This album went gold and gained the band commercial success thanks to the success of singles "Praise" and "Angel's Son", which peaked at 15 and 11, respectively, on the Mainstream Rock Tracks. "Angel's Son" was a tribute to Lynn Strait
, the lead singer of the band Snot, whom the members of Sevendust were friends with. Strait had died in a car accident in 1998. In addition to being included on Animosity, the song was included on the compilation album Strait Up
. The band made an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman
playing an acoustic version of "Angel's Son
" featuring Paul Shaffer
on keyboards.
In the same year Sevendust was seen in the Chris Rock
movie Down to Earth
as a partial clip of "Waffle" is played.
Another friend of the band, Dave Williams
the lead singer of Drowning Pool
, died in 2002. Tragedy would strike again when Lajon Witherspoon's younger brother was shot and killed later that year. Due to his death, Sevendust went on hiatus in 2002.
. Other singles released from the album, "Broken Down" and "Face to Face", met with more moderate success charting at 20 and 22, respectively.
In 2004, for the first time in the band's career, they released a live album on a CD/DVD double disk package titled Southside Double-Wide: Acoustic Live
. Both the CD and the DVD include a cover of "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails
which is dedicated to Johnny Cash.
On December 11, 2004, after playing a show in Columbus, Ohio, it was announced that Clint Lowery
had left the band mid-tour, because he wanted to play with his brother Corey Lowery in his new band Dark New Day
, who had reportedly just signed with Warner Bros. Records. A replacement was found for the rest of the dates and was eventually replaced by Sonny Mayo
(from Snot and Amen
). At roughly the same time, Sevendust and TVT Records parted ways.
, on the WineDark Records label, distributed by Universal Music
. In the process, Sevendust also created their own record label, 7Bros Records. The first radio single off Next was the track Ugly, released to radio August 9, 2005 followed by the music video. The track Pieces appeared on the soundtrack for the film Saw II
. Next
debuted at #20 in the US, selling around 37,000 copies in its first week. Not much longer after the release of Next, Sevendust's former label TVT Records released a greatest hits package for Sevendust, titled Best of (Chapter One 1997–2004), the label's final Sevendust release. Also, an unofficial video for Hero was released showing footage of Bruce Lee in many of his famous film roles.
A few months after the October 2005 release date of Next, though, it became clear that WineDark would not live up to the band's expectations. "I had people come up to me and say, 'When is the record coming out?' And it had already been out for five months", Rose grumbles. "Basically, the main person that was in charge of the whole thing fell off the face of the earth. There were no more cheques coming in, and the money had not been paid in full."
In early 2006, the band themselves were considered bankrupt. WineDark Records had imploded, leaving them without distribution, tour support, or promised advance payments. The band owed money to crew members and other staffers and had a mounting credit card debt. In April, they expected that a tax return from the US government would help ease the burden. Then, they found out their accountant hadn't paid their taxes and they owed $120,000 to the government. "We were beyond broke", says drummer and lyricist Morgan Rose. "We had a debt load close to a million dollars, and we were in a position where, no matter how much money we thought we were making, we were still having to pay and pay."
, on March 6, 2007. The album debuted at #14 in the US, the band's highest chart position yet, selling over 42,000 copies of the album in its first week of sale. The disc contained the album's preceding internet track Deathstar
, the Hot Mainstream Rock top 10 smash Driven
and a further Active Rock radio top 40 hit in the form of Beg to Differ
. This is one of their heaviest album to date. Alpha is the band's second album featuring Sonny Mayo
on rhythm guitar and the first with him as part of the writing process. Alpha is also the first album by the band to be released under the Warner-affiliated Asylum Records
, making Sevendust the first rock band on that label. The band also headlined a 57-date tour from February 8, 2007 to April 28, 2007. Boston heavy metal band Diecast
, supergroup Invitro, and modern rock Red
accompanied Sevendust on that tour.
Retrospective 2
, a CD/DVD combo including two previously un-released studio tracks, live concert footage never before seen, as well as the new music videos for the songs Beg To Differ, Ugly, Pieces, and Driven, was released on December 11, 2007. The song The Rim was released on the Alpha CD but only sold in Target retails stores as exclusive 13th track on the Alpha CD. Their songs Feed and Driven were used in the soundtrack to WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
.
. The record was originally slated for a release of March 4, 2008, but was later pushed back to April 1. The album debuted at #19 on the Billboard 200 and has appearances from Daughtry frontman Chris Daughtry
, Alter Bridge
members Myles Kennedy
and Mark Tremonti
. The first single from Chapter VII was "Prodigal Son", which peaked at #19 on the mainstream rock chart. The second single was "The Past" and the third "Inside."
On March 26, 2008, Sevendust announced that Lowery had quit his duties as guitarist for Dark New Day and would be returning to the Sevendust lineup in place of Mayo. On Lowery's return, Rose stated "This was extremely tough considering Sonny is our brother and has been amazing to work with. [Sonny] didn't do anything wrong at all; we just owe it to ourselves and all the folks that grew up with us to put our original band back together."
In December 2008 Sevendust toured with Black Stone Cherry
for a while and then in January 2009, Sevendust geared up to hit the road with Disturbed, as well as multiple shows for US troops in Iraq
and Afghanistan
in the spring. Sevendust released a very limited-edition box set in November 2008 entitled Packaged Goods. Each five-disc set is personally autographed by the entire band. The box set includes Sevendust's 2005 release Next, 2007's Alpha, 2007's Retrospective 2 (CD + DVD), and 2008's Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow. Before heading into the studio to record their 8th studio album, the band headlined the End of Summer Scorcher held & sponsored by 98KUPD
in Phoenix, Arizona
on September 26, 2009. Along with Sevendust, other notable acts such as Corey Taylor
, Five Finger Death Punch
, Shadows Fall
& Otep
performed as well.
in Chicago with producer Johnny K
, who has produced other successful rock acts such as Disturbed, Staind
, Finger Eleven
, and 3 Doors Down
. The band launched a newly designed website, promoting the new album. During the recording process the band posted daily videos on their official site and their YouTube channel; with updates on the new album, recording sessions in the studio and recording sessions from their new house. Stepping out of the box from regular recording sessions, they are showing the fans how the album process is done, and every step in the intricate process.
Each of the band members provided their own recording sessions to be shown on the official website. On December 22, 2009, the band announced that the tracking for the album was complete, and it is currently in the mixing process for an April 2010 release. They are taking a break and doing a few concerts in late December and early to late January and planning for the release of first single of the album in early February. On February 6, 2010, the band leaked the song "Forever Dead" on their website. Also "Unraveling" was released through iTunes on March 2. On March 17, the band streamed "Last Breath" on the radio. The following day, "Confessions (Without Faith)" received play time on the radio, as did "The End is Coming." The band released its eighth album, "Cold Day Memory
", in April 20, 2010; the 12-song set marked Sevendust's first studio recording with the band's original line-up since 2003's "Seasons", in fact guitarist Clint Lowery
, rejoined the crew soon after the release of the previous album. The first official single, Unraveling, hit #29 on The Rock Songs chart while the CD rocketed to #12 on The Billboard 200. The album includes two more singles, Forever
and Last Breath
, both of which were welcomed by Active Rock radio.
Sevendust toured with Chevelle
, Shinedown
, Puddle of Mudd
, and 10 Years
on the Carnival of Madness Tour during the summer of 2010. The band also re-released their self-titled debut album called Sevendust: Definitive Edition. The re-release contains five new songs.
On September 16, Sevendust filmed a video for "Falcons On Top", the official theme song of the Atlanta Falcons football team. The video shoot took place at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta and included an appearance by the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders.
In November 2010, it was announced that Sevendust would play alongside Disturbed, Korn and In This Moment
in the "Music As A Weapon 5" tour.
In February and March 2011, Sevendust will be touring Australia with bands such as Iron Maiden
, Slayer
, Ill Niño
and Stone Sour
for the Soundwave Festival On April 20 in an article with Adelitas Way, frontman Rick Dejesus mentioned that there was an Adelitas Way, Sevendust tour in the works.
The band has recently said they are working on some "HEAVY" new music, and hinted that this new album and tour may be their last.
, Twisted Sister
and Faith No More
, Sevendust has been labeled as heavy metal
, alternative metal
, industrial metal
and nu metal
.
John Connolly, guitarist for the group was asked what the band defined their genre as;
Former members
Touring members;
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band from Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
. Formed in 1994 by bassist Vince Hornsby
Vinnie Hornsby
Vince Hornsby is the bassist for Alternative metal band Sevendust. He is known for his humorous demeanor and facial expressions during live shows...
, drummer Morgan Rose
Morgan Rose
Morgan Jay Rose is an American drummer, record producer and founding member of the Atlanta-based alternative metal band Sevendust. He is also responsible for much of the background "screaming" vocals.-Career:...
and guitarist John Connolly
John Connolly (musician)
John Connolly was born on October 21, 1967 in New Jersey. Connolly was a drummer for the band Piece Dogs. He then joined Sevendust for Rhythm Guitar and has recorded with them on all their releases to date. Connolly is also one of the primary songwriters for Sevendust...
. After their first demo, lead vocalist Lajon Witherspoon
Lajon Witherspoon
Lajon Witherspoon is the vocalist for the Atlanta-based alternative metal band Sevendust. Members from such bands as Staind, Seether, Alter Bridge, and Diecast have listed Lajon and Sevendust as musical influences. In March 2008, Lajon was recognized in Hit Parader's magazine as one of the "Top...
and guitarist Clint Lowery
Clint Lowery
Clint Lowery is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Sevendust. He has also played in Dark New Day and Still Rain and served as the touring guitarist for Korn through most of 2007....
joined the group. Following a few name changes, the members settled on the name Sevendust and released their self-titled debut on April 15, 1997.
The self-titled debut
Sevendust (album)
Definitive Edition Bonus Tracks Definitive Edition DVD #Live & Loud#Electronic Press Kit #Behind The Scenes & Live Footage-Personnel:*Lajon Witherspoon - lead vocals...
sold 311 copies its first week. However, through touring and TVT
TVT Records
TVT Records was an independent US record label founded by Steve Gottlieb. Over the course of its 25 year history the label released some 25 Gold, Platinum and Multi-platinum releases. Its roster included Nine Inch Nails, Ja Rule, Lil Jon, Underworld, The KLF, Sevendust, Brian Jonestown Massacre and...
support, the album gained charting success through Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
and earned gold certification
Music recording sales certification
Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,...
. Since formation, Sevendust has released eight studio albums, earned additional charting success and gold sales certifications. Their eighth studio album, titled Cold Day Memory
Cold Day Memory
Cold Day Memory is the eighth studio album by American alternative metal band Sevendust released on April 20, 2010. This album marks the return of guitarist Clint Lowery who previously left Sevendust in 2004 to work with Dark New Day...
, was released on April 20, 2010. They have also re-released their self-titled debut album
Sevendust (album)
Definitive Edition Bonus Tracks Definitive Edition DVD #Live & Loud#Electronic Press Kit #Behind The Scenes & Live Footage-Personnel:*Lajon Witherspoon - lead vocals...
as Sevendust: Definitive Edition which contains five new tracks and a DVD.
Early years and Sevendust (1994–1998)
Bassist Vince Hornsby joined drummer Morgan Rose in 1994, in a band called Snake Nation. John Connolly, a drummer, left his current band and joined Snake Nation as a guitarist. They recorded their first demo. Not happy with vocals, however, Snake Nation spent a year searching for a new singer before finding Lajon Witherspoon. Six months passed, Clint Lowery joined the band and they renamed themselves Rumblefish.Rumblefish was short-lived, however, because they found another band with the same name. They renamed themselves Crawlspace, and released My Ruin on the Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat (film)
Mortal Kombat is a 1995 American action and adventure film directed by Paul Anderson. Based on the Mortal Kombat series of fighting games, the film was the first part of the Mortal Kombat film series...
soundtrack album entitled More Kombat
Mortal Kombat: More Kombat
Mortal Kombat: More Kombat is a compilation album featuring primarily exclusive music from a number of metal, industrial and electronica bands inspired by the first Mortal Kombat film.-Album information:...
through TVT Records
TVT Records
TVT Records was an independent US record label founded by Steve Gottlieb. Over the course of its 25 year history the label released some 25 Gold, Platinum and Multi-platinum releases. Its roster included Nine Inch Nails, Ja Rule, Lil Jon, Underworld, The KLF, Sevendust, Brian Jonestown Massacre and...
in 1996. Shortly after, another band named Crawlspace sent notice that they wanted $50,000 for the rights to their name. Rather than purchase the rights, the band members chose to rename themselves Sevendust.
Sevendust released their self-titled debut
Sevendust (album)
Definitive Edition Bonus Tracks Definitive Edition DVD #Live & Loud#Electronic Press Kit #Behind The Scenes & Live Footage-Personnel:*Lajon Witherspoon - lead vocals...
on April 15, 1997, known for its heavy riffs, angry vocals and thrash-like drumming, as the songs Black and Bitch. Black was the opening song for nearly every Sevendust concert until 2004. The debut album also contains the song My Ruin, from the Mortal Kombat soundtrack. Sevendust appeared on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, remained there for sixteen weeks and peaked at 165 on April 4, 1998. The album went gold
RIAA certification
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America awards certification based on the number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards...
on May 19, 1999.
In 1998, Sevendust performed at Dynamo Open Air
Dynamo Open Air
Dynamo Open Air was a festival in the Netherlands held every year since 1986, until 2005. Originally held to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Dynamo rock club in Eindhoven, it has grown exponentially since then, and from a 5,000-person attendance in the Dynamo parking lot, it had grown to...
(May 29–31) and Ozzfest 1998
Ozzfest
Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States featuring performances by many heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne, both of whom also organize each yearly tour with their son Jack Osbourne...
(July through August). In the same year they released a compilation called Live and Loud
Live & Loud (Sevendust)
TVT presents this program featuring six songs from a live concert performance by alternative metal rockers Sevendust. Shot at Metro in Chicago on September 16, 1998. Live & Loud was directed by Mark Haefali. The CD was copying 5,000 at the first week of release....
which featured live footage of the bands September 16, 1998 performance at Chicago's Metro.
Home and Animosity (1999–2001)
On August 24, 1999, they released their second album, HomeHome (Sevendust album)
-Personnel:*Lajon Witherspoon - lead vocals*John Connolly - guitar, backing vocals*Clint Lowery - guitar, backing vocals*Vinnie Hornsby - bass guitar*Morgan Rose - drums, backing vocals*Deborah Anne "Skin" Dyer - additional vocals...
. The album peaked at 19 on the Billboard 200 and featured Skin from Skunk Anansie
Skunk Anansie
Skunk Anansie is an English rock band whose members include Skin , Cass , Ace and Mark Richardson .Skunk Anansie formed in March 1994, disbanded in 2001 and reformed in 2009...
and Chino Moreno
Chino Moreno
Chino Moreno is an American musician. He is best known as the lead singer and contributing guitarist of Deftones. He is also a member of the side-project bands Team Sleep and Crosses....
from Deftones
Deftones
Deftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California, founded in 1988. The band consists of Chino Moreno , Stephen Carpenter , Chi Cheng , Frank Delgado , and Abe Cunningham . Currently Sergio Vega is standing in on bass while Cheng recovers from a car accident...
as guest vocalists. The two singles from the album, "Denial" and "Waffle", gave the band moderate chart success, and the latter of which was played on the Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Late Night with Conan O'Brien is an American late-night talk show hosted by Conan O'Brien that aired 2,725 episodes on NBC between 1993 and 2009. The show featured varied comedic material, celebrity interviews, and musical and comedy performances. Late Night aired weeknights at 12:37 am...
show. They appeared in Woodstock 1999
Woodstock 1999
Woodstock 1999, also called Woodstock 99, performed July 22–25, 1999, was the second large-scale music festival that attempted to emulate the original Woodstock Festival of 1969. Like the previous Woodstock festivals it was performed in upstate New York, this time in Rome, New York, around 200...
and have toured with many bands such as Korn
Korn
Korn is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The current band line up includes four members: Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, and Ray Luzier. The band was formed as an expansion of L.A.P.D.The band released their first demo album,...
, Staind
Staind
Staind is an American rock band that was formed in 1995 in Springfield, Massachusetts. For 16 years, the band consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April, and drummer Jon Wysocki...
, Nonpoint
Nonpoint
Nonpoint is an American nu metal band formed in 1997. The band consists of Elias Soriano and Rob Rivera . Currently they are signed to Razor & Tie and working on new a record which is expected to be released in Spring 2012....
, Reveille
Reveille (band)
Reveille was a nu metal/rap metal group from Harvard, Chelmsford, and Shirley, Massachusetts, USA.-History:The band formed in 1998 and recorded a six-track demo that attracted the attention of major labels. After a standout performance at the famous CBGB in Manhattan, New York the band signed with...
, Godsmack
Godsmack
Godsmack is an American heavy metal band from Lawrence, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. The band is composed of founder, frontman and songwriter Sully Erna, guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill, and drummer Shannon Larkin...
, Mudvayne
Mudvayne
Mudvayne is an American heavy metal band. Their work is marked by the use of sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate visual appearance, which has included face and body paint, masks and uniforms...
, Mushroomhead
Mushroomhead
Mushroomhead is an American industrial metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1993 in Cleveland Warehouse District, the band's music can be described as a synthesis of alternative music, heavy metal, and electro-industrial...
, Powerman 5000
Powerman 5000
Powerman 5000 is an American Metal band formed in 1991. Through the span of over two decades, the group has released several albums and gained their highest commercial success with 1999's science fiction themed Tonight the Stars Revolt!...
, Creed
Creed (band)
Creed is an American rock band formed in 1995 in Tallahassee, Florida. Becoming popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the band has released three consecutive multi-platinum albums, one of which has been certified diamond, and has sold over 28 million records in the United States, with an...
, Kid Rock
Kid Rock
Robert James "Bob" Ritchie , known by his stage name Kid Rock, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and rapper with five Grammy Awards nominations...
, Machine Head
Machine Head (band)
Machine Head is an American heavy metal band from Oakland, California. Formed on October 12, 1991, the group was founded by Robb Flynn and Adam Duce. There have been 4 member changes since their inception. The current lineup of the band comprises Flynn , Duce , ex-Vio-Lence guitarist Phil Demmel ,...
, Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit
Limp Bizkit is an American rock band from Jacksonville, Florida. Formed in 1995, the group's lineup consists of Fred Durst , Wes Borland , Sam Rivers , John Otto and DJ Lethal . The band achieved mainstream success with their second studio album Significant Other, released in 1999...
, Disturbed, and Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
. In 1999, they gained European exposure by opening for Skunk Anansie at various shows in Germany. They also opened with Kid Rock and Ted Nugent for Metallica on New Year's Eve in 1999 at the Pontiac Silverdome near Detroit, Michigan. They also joined Slipknot
Slipknot (band)
Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray...
, Coal Chamber
Coal Chamber
Coal Chamber is an American alternative metal band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1993. Prior to Coal Chamber, Dez Fafara and Meegs Rascón formed the band She's In Pain in 1992. The two decided to create Coal Chamber. They disbanded in 2003 after ten years together, but announced a reunion in...
and other bands on the Tattoo the Earth
Tattoo the Earth
Tattoo the Earth was a concert tour from 2000 to 2002 in the United States. The tour, with part of it taking place during the summer, posed a challenge to Slipknot in particular. The band performed onstage in masks, and even under the best circumstances, they found them uncomfortable. The band's...
Tour in June 2000.
In November 2001, the band released their third album, Animosity
Animosity (Sevendust album)
Animosity is the third studio album by Sevendust, released on November 13, 2001 through TvT Records. The album appeared on the Billboard 200, remained there for thirteen weeks and peaked at 28 on December 1, 2001. Animosity was certified gold on March 11, 2002 through the Recording Industry...
. This album went gold and gained the band commercial success thanks to the success of singles "Praise" and "Angel's Son", which peaked at 15 and 11, respectively, on the Mainstream Rock Tracks. "Angel's Son" was a tribute to Lynn Strait
Lynn Strait
James Lynn Strait was the lead singer and lyricist for the rock band Snot. He died in a car accident on December 11, 1998 at the age of 30.-Biography:...
, the lead singer of the band Snot, whom the members of Sevendust were friends with. Strait had died in a car accident in 1998. In addition to being included on Animosity, the song was included on the compilation album Strait Up
Strait Up
Strait Up is the second studio album by Snot. Released on November 7, 2000, the album features appearances by the lead vocalists of a number of major rock groups...
. The band made an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman
Late Night with David Letterman
Late Night with David Letterman is a nightly hour-long comedy talk show on NBC that was created and hosted by David Letterman. It premiered in 1982 as the first incarnation of the Late Night franchise and went off the air in 1993, after Letterman left NBC and moved to Late Show on CBS. Late Night...
playing an acoustic version of "Angel's Son
Angel's Son
"Angel's Son" is a song written by Lajon Witherspoon and Clint Lowery of Sevendust and performed by Witherspoon and two fellow Sevendust members and ex-Snot band member Sonny Mayo, for the post-mortem compilation CD in honor of James Lynn Strait known as Strait Up.This was the only single track...
" featuring Paul Shaffer
Paul Shaffer
Paul Allen Wood Shaffer, CM is a Canadian musician, actor, voice actor, author, comedian, and composer who has been David Letterman's sidekick since 1982.-Early years:...
on keyboards.
In the same year Sevendust was seen in the Chris Rock
Chris Rock
Christopher Julius "Chris" Rock III is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, television producer, film producer and director. He was voted in the US as the 5th greatest stand-up comedian of all time by Comedy Central...
movie Down to Earth
Down to Earth (2001 film)
Down to Earth is a 2001 comedy film directed by Chris and Paul Weitz. It is the third film adaptation based on Harry Segall's stageplay Heaven Can Wait, preceded by Here Comes Mr. Jordan and Heaven Can Wait . The film stars Chris Rock as Lance Barton, a comedian who is killed before his time on...
as a partial clip of "Waffle" is played.
Another friend of the band, Dave Williams
Dave Williams (musician)
David W. "Dave" "Stage" Williams was the lead singer for the band Drowning Pool. He grew up in Princeton, Texas living with his parents Charles Edward and Jo-Ann Williams. During the 1990s he was a fixture in the Dallas music scene, often playing in well-known clubs. In 1999, he joined Drowning Pool...
the lead singer of Drowning Pool
Drowning Pool
Drowning Pool is a four-piece alternative metal band from Dallas, Texas.-Early days :Drowning Pool rose to fame while playing along with Ozzy Osbourne during an Ozzfest tour. Their 2001 debut album, Sinner was certified platinum within six weeks...
, died in 2002. Tragedy would strike again when Lajon Witherspoon's younger brother was shot and killed later that year. Due to his death, Sevendust went on hiatus in 2002.
Seasons and the departure of Clint Lowery (2003–2005)
In 2003, Sevendust returned with their fourth album, Seasons. The album debuted at #14 in the US, selling around 68,000 copies in its first week. This was one of the band's best received albums and to date features their highest charting single (tied with "Driven"), "Enemy", which peaked at #10 on the Mainstream Rock Chart. "Enemy" was made the official theme song for WWE Unforgiven 2003Unforgiven (2003)
Unforgiven was the sixth annual Unforgiven professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment . It took place on September 21, 2003 from the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania....
. Other singles released from the album, "Broken Down" and "Face to Face", met with more moderate success charting at 20 and 22, respectively.
In 2004, for the first time in the band's career, they released a live album on a CD/DVD double disk package titled Southside Double-Wide: Acoustic Live
Southside Double-Wide: Acoustic Live
-Charts:-Personnel:*Lajon Witherspoon – Vocals*John Connolly – Rhythm Guitar*Clint Lowery – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals, Lead Vocals on Xmas Day, Skeleton Song, and Hurt*Vinnie Hornsby – Bass*Morgan Rose – Drums...
. Both the CD and the DVD include a cover of "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
which is dedicated to Johnny Cash.
On December 11, 2004, after playing a show in Columbus, Ohio, it was announced that Clint Lowery
Clint Lowery
Clint Lowery is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Sevendust. He has also played in Dark New Day and Still Rain and served as the touring guitarist for Korn through most of 2007....
had left the band mid-tour, because he wanted to play with his brother Corey Lowery in his new band Dark New Day
Dark New Day
Dark New Day is an American hard rock supergroup formed in 2004 featuring Brett Hestla of Virgos Merlot, Troy McLawhorn of DoubleDrive, Clint Lowery of Sevendust, Corey Lowery of Stereomud and Stuck Mojo, and Will Hunt of Skrape...
, who had reportedly just signed with Warner Bros. Records. A replacement was found for the rest of the dates and was eventually replaced by Sonny Mayo
Sonny Mayo
Sonny Mayo is an American guitarist, songwriter, and music producer. He began playing in a thrash metal band called Silence in the late '80's. Silence , regularly sold out venues in the DC Metro area including the famous "Bayou" in Georgetown...
(from Snot and Amen
Amen (band)
Amen is a hardcore punk-influenced band formed in 1994.The band has an almost constantly rotating lineup, with founder Casey Chaos remaining as the only constant member throughout...
). At roughly the same time, Sevendust and TVT Records parted ways.
Next and financial troubles (2005–2007)
On October 11, 2005, Sevendust joined forces with good friend Producer/Engineer Shawn Grove and released their fifth studio album, NextNext (Sevendust album)
- Album :- Singles :- Personnel :* Lajon Witherspoon – lead vocals* John Connolly – guitar, backing vocals* Sonny Mayo – guitar* Vinnie Hornsby – bass guitar* Morgan Rose – drums, backing vocals...
, on the WineDark Records label, distributed by Universal Music
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
. In the process, Sevendust also created their own record label, 7Bros Records. The first radio single off Next was the track Ugly, released to radio August 9, 2005 followed by the music video. The track Pieces appeared on the soundtrack for the film Saw II
Saw II
Saw II is a 2005 Canadian-American horror film directed by Darren Lynn Bousman and co-written by Bousman and the first film's co-writer Leigh Whannell. It is a sequel to 2004's Saw and the second installment in the seven-part Saw film series...
. Next
Next (Sevendust album)
- Album :- Singles :- Personnel :* Lajon Witherspoon – lead vocals* John Connolly – guitar, backing vocals* Sonny Mayo – guitar* Vinnie Hornsby – bass guitar* Morgan Rose – drums, backing vocals...
debuted at #20 in the US, selling around 37,000 copies in its first week. Not much longer after the release of Next, Sevendust's former label TVT Records released a greatest hits package for Sevendust, titled Best of (Chapter One 1997–2004), the label's final Sevendust release. Also, an unofficial video for Hero was released showing footage of Bruce Lee in many of his famous film roles.
A few months after the October 2005 release date of Next, though, it became clear that WineDark would not live up to the band's expectations. "I had people come up to me and say, 'When is the record coming out?' And it had already been out for five months", Rose grumbles. "Basically, the main person that was in charge of the whole thing fell off the face of the earth. There were no more cheques coming in, and the money had not been paid in full."
In early 2006, the band themselves were considered bankrupt. WineDark Records had imploded, leaving them without distribution, tour support, or promised advance payments. The band owed money to crew members and other staffers and had a mounting credit card debt. In April, they expected that a tax return from the US government would help ease the burden. Then, they found out their accountant hadn't paid their taxes and they owed $120,000 to the government. "We were beyond broke", says drummer and lyricist Morgan Rose. "We had a debt load close to a million dollars, and we were in a position where, no matter how much money we thought we were making, we were still having to pay and pay."
Alpha (2007)
Sevendust (with Shawn Grove again serving as Producer/Engineer), released their sixth full-length studio album, entitled AlphaAlpha (Sevendust album)
Target Exclusive Bonus TrackU.K. Import Bonus Tracks- Album :- Singles :- Personnel :* Lajon Witherspoon – lead vocals* John Connolly – guitar, backing vocals* Vinnie Hornsby – bass guitar* Morgan Rose – drums, backing vocals...
, on March 6, 2007. The album debuted at #14 in the US, the band's highest chart position yet, selling over 42,000 copies of the album in its first week of sale. The disc contained the album's preceding internet track Deathstar
Deathstar (song)
Deathstar is a digital single off the album Alpha from American heavy metal band Sevendust. The song has a heavy melody and is one of the band's heaviest singles...
, the Hot Mainstream Rock top 10 smash Driven
Driven (Sevendust song)
Driven is the lead single from the album Alpha by the heavy metal band Sevendust and is one of the band's highest charting singles , peaking at #10 on the Mainstream Rock Charts, and since surpassed only by "Unraveling", which peaked at #7.-Music video:The Music video, which was shot in Haverhill,...
and a further Active Rock radio top 40 hit in the form of Beg to Differ
Beg to Differ (song)
Beg to Differ is a song by the Heavy metal band Sevendust from their sixth studio album Alpha. The song was released as a single in November 2007. The band made a video for this song included live performance and tour backstage.- Singles :...
. This is one of their heaviest album to date. Alpha is the band's second album featuring Sonny Mayo
Sonny Mayo
Sonny Mayo is an American guitarist, songwriter, and music producer. He began playing in a thrash metal band called Silence in the late '80's. Silence , regularly sold out venues in the DC Metro area including the famous "Bayou" in Georgetown...
on rhythm guitar and the first with him as part of the writing process. Alpha is also the first album by the band to be released under the Warner-affiliated Asylum Records
Asylum Records
Asylum Records is an American record label founded in 1971 by David Geffen, and partner Elliot Roberts, who had previously worked as agents at the William Morris Agency. Founded specifically to provide a record contract for Jackson Browne, the label signed Tom Waits, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell...
, making Sevendust the first rock band on that label. The band also headlined a 57-date tour from February 8, 2007 to April 28, 2007. Boston heavy metal band Diecast
Diecast (band)
Diecast is a five-piece metalcore band originating from Boston, Massachusetts. There are no active members that date back to their inception.-History:...
, supergroup Invitro, and modern rock Red
Red (band)
Red is an American rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2004. The band's lineup consists of singer Michael Barnes, guitarist Anthony Armstrong, bassist Randy Armstrong and drummer Joe Rickard. They are known for their Christian rock music which incorporates other sounds such as...
accompanied Sevendust on that tour.
Retrospective 2
Retrospective 2
Retrospective 2 is a compilation album by alternative metal band Sevendust. It is a follow up to the Retrospect DVD released in 2001. Although this album covers Next and Alpha, it does not contain any material from Animosity or Seasons...
, a CD/DVD combo including two previously un-released studio tracks, live concert footage never before seen, as well as the new music videos for the songs Beg To Differ, Ugly, Pieces, and Driven, was released on December 11, 2007. The song The Rim was released on the Alpha CD but only sold in Target retails stores as exclusive 13th track on the Alpha CD. Their songs Feed and Driven were used in the soundtrack to WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 is a professional wrestling video game developed by Yuke's and released on the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation Portable and Nintendo DS video game consoles by THQ in November 2007. Amaze Entertainment oversaw development for the Nintendo DS...
.
Chapter VII: Hope & Sorrow and Clint Lowery's return (2008)
Sevendust joined Shawn Grove again, and returned to the studio at the end of November 2007 to finish their 7th studio album, titled Chapter VII: Hope & SorrowChapter VII: Hope & Sorrow
- Bonus tracks :* "Lucky One" - 3:05* "Heart in Your Hands" - 3:35* "Disgust" - 3:40- Personnel :* Lajon Witherspoon – lead vocals* John Connolly – lead guitar, backing vocals...
. The record was originally slated for a release of March 4, 2008, but was later pushed back to April 1. The album debuted at #19 on the Billboard 200 and has appearances from Daughtry frontman Chris Daughtry
Chris Daughtry
Christopher Adam "Chris" Daughtry is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the rock band Daughtry and as the fourth-place finalist on the fifth season of American Idol, from which he was eliminated on May 10, 2006...
, Alter Bridge
Alter Bridge
Alter Bridge is an American rock band that was formed in 2004 in Orlando, Florida by lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall, and drummer Scott Phillips, who are all also members of Creed. Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Myles Kennedy, formerly of The Mayfield Four and the frontman...
members Myles Kennedy
Myles Kennedy
Myles Richard Kennedy is an American musician and singer-songwriter best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Alter Bridge, and as the lead vocalist in Slash's current solo project...
and Mark Tremonti
Mark Tremonti
Mark Thomas Tremonti is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist of the American rock bands Creed and Alter Bridge. He is a founding member of both bands...
. The first single from Chapter VII was "Prodigal Son", which peaked at #19 on the mainstream rock chart. The second single was "The Past" and the third "Inside."
On March 26, 2008, Sevendust announced that Lowery had quit his duties as guitarist for Dark New Day and would be returning to the Sevendust lineup in place of Mayo. On Lowery's return, Rose stated "This was extremely tough considering Sonny is our brother and has been amazing to work with. [Sonny] didn't do anything wrong at all; we just owe it to ourselves and all the folks that grew up with us to put our original band back together."
In December 2008 Sevendust toured with Black Stone Cherry
Black Stone Cherry
Black Stone Cherry is an American rock band formed in 2001 in Edmonton, Kentucky. They are signed to Roadrunner Records. The band consists of Chris Robertson , Ben Wells , Jon Lawhon , and John Fred Young...
for a while and then in January 2009, Sevendust geared up to hit the road with Disturbed, as well as multiple shows for US troops in Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
and Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
in the spring. Sevendust released a very limited-edition box set in November 2008 entitled Packaged Goods. Each five-disc set is personally autographed by the entire band. The box set includes Sevendust's 2005 release Next, 2007's Alpha, 2007's Retrospective 2 (CD + DVD), and 2008's Chapter VII: Hope and Sorrow. Before heading into the studio to record their 8th studio album, the band headlined the End of Summer Scorcher held & sponsored by 98KUPD
KUPD
KUPD is a radio station broadcasting an Active rock format. Licensed to Tempe, Arizona, USA, the station serves the Phoenix, Arizona, area...
in Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
on September 26, 2009. Along with Sevendust, other notable acts such as Corey Taylor
Corey Taylor
Corey Todd Taylor sometimes known by the number 8, is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of Slipknot and Stone Sour. Taylor was raised by his single mother. He developed a fond feeling toward classic rock after his grandmother introduced him to it...
, Five Finger Death Punch
Five Finger Death Punch
Five Finger Death Punch is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 2005, the group's name is derived from classic oriental martial arts cinema. The band originally consisted of vocalist Ivan Moody, guitarist Zoltan Bathory, guitarist Caleb Bingham, bassist Matt Snell,...
, Shadows Fall
Shadows Fall
Shadows Fall is an American heavy metal band from Springfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. They are one of the few contemporary metal bands who take their lyrical influence from Eastern philosophy and some references to the Rastafari culture...
& Otep
Otep
Otep is an American heavy metal band formed in 2000 in Los Angeles, California by Otep Shamaya.-History:Otep originally was a four-piece nu metal band that began in Los Angeles, California in early 2000...
performed as well.
Cold Day Memory (2009 onward)
October 2009, Sevendust started recording Cold Day MemoryCold Day Memory
Cold Day Memory is the eighth studio album by American alternative metal band Sevendust released on April 20, 2010. This album marks the return of guitarist Clint Lowery who previously left Sevendust in 2004 to work with Dark New Day...
in Chicago with producer Johnny K
Johnny K
John Karkazis, better known as Johnny K, is a Grammy Award nominated producer/engineer/mixer/musician and songwriter. He owns Groovemaster Recording Studios in Chicago...
, who has produced other successful rock acts such as Disturbed, Staind
Staind
Staind is an American rock band that was formed in 1995 in Springfield, Massachusetts. For 16 years, the band consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April, and drummer Jon Wysocki...
, Finger Eleven
Finger Eleven
Finger Eleven is a Canadian rock band from Burlington, Ontario, formed in 1989. They have currently released five studio albums, with their album The Greyest of Blue Skies bringing them into the mainstream...
, and 3 Doors Down
3 Doors Down
3 Doors Down is an American rock band from Escatawpa formed in 1996. The band consists of Brad Arnold , Matt Roberts , Todd Harrell , Chris Henderson , and Greg Upchurch ....
. The band launched a newly designed website, promoting the new album. During the recording process the band posted daily videos on their official site and their YouTube channel; with updates on the new album, recording sessions in the studio and recording sessions from their new house. Stepping out of the box from regular recording sessions, they are showing the fans how the album process is done, and every step in the intricate process.
Each of the band members provided their own recording sessions to be shown on the official website. On December 22, 2009, the band announced that the tracking for the album was complete, and it is currently in the mixing process for an April 2010 release. They are taking a break and doing a few concerts in late December and early to late January and planning for the release of first single of the album in early February. On February 6, 2010, the band leaked the song "Forever Dead" on their website. Also "Unraveling" was released through iTunes on March 2. On March 17, the band streamed "Last Breath" on the radio. The following day, "Confessions (Without Faith)" received play time on the radio, as did "The End is Coming." The band released its eighth album, "Cold Day Memory
Cold Day Memory
Cold Day Memory is the eighth studio album by American alternative metal band Sevendust released on April 20, 2010. This album marks the return of guitarist Clint Lowery who previously left Sevendust in 2004 to work with Dark New Day...
", in April 20, 2010; the 12-song set marked Sevendust's first studio recording with the band's original line-up since 2003's "Seasons", in fact guitarist Clint Lowery
Clint Lowery
Clint Lowery is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Sevendust. He has also played in Dark New Day and Still Rain and served as the touring guitarist for Korn through most of 2007....
, rejoined the crew soon after the release of the previous album. The first official single, Unraveling, hit #29 on The Rock Songs chart while the CD rocketed to #12 on The Billboard 200. The album includes two more singles, Forever
Forever (Sevendust song)
"Forever" is the second single off album Cold Day Memory by american heavy metal band Sevendust. The single was released in radio stations on July 26. The song was made available for streaming on the band's official MySpace page and Youtube account on February 5, 2010. Also was made available for...
and Last Breath
Last Breath
"Last Breath" is the fourth track from Sevendust's 2010 eighth studio album Cold Day Memory. It was released as the album's third single on January 24, 2011 via 7 Bros....
, both of which were welcomed by Active Rock radio.
Sevendust toured with Chevelle
Chevelle
Chevelle is an American alternative metal trio that formed in 1995 in Grayslake, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The band was originally composed of two brothers and a local friend: Pete Loeffler , Sam Loeffler , and Matt Scott . Matt was later replaced by brother Joe Loeffler...
, Shinedown
Shinedown
Shinedown is an American rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, formed in 2001 and founded by members Brent Smith , Brad Stewart , Jasin Todd , and Barry Kerch . A few line-up changes followed, and the band's current line-up consists of Smith and Kerch, the band's only two remaining original...
, Puddle of Mudd
Puddle of Mudd
Puddle Of Mudd is an American rock band from Kansas City, Missouri, USA. To date the band has sold over 7 million albums, and have had a string of #1 mainstream rock singles in the United States. Their major-label debut Come Clean has sold over 5 million copies...
, and 10 Years
10 Years
10 Years is an American alternative metal band, formed in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1999.-Early Years, Into the Half Moon :10 Years was initially formed in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1999 with singer Mike Underdown, drummer Brian Vodinh, bassist Lewis Cosby, and guitarists Ryan "Tater" Johnson and Matt...
on the Carnival of Madness Tour during the summer of 2010. The band also re-released their self-titled debut album called Sevendust: Definitive Edition. The re-release contains five new songs.
On September 16, Sevendust filmed a video for "Falcons On Top", the official theme song of the Atlanta Falcons football team. The video shoot took place at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta and included an appearance by the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders.
In November 2010, it was announced that Sevendust would play alongside Disturbed, Korn and In This Moment
In This Moment
In This Moment is an American metalcore band from North Hollywood , California. Formed in 2005, the group has released three albums to date, all through Century Media Records.-Founding:...
in the "Music As A Weapon 5" tour.
In February and March 2011, Sevendust will be touring Australia with bands such as Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
, Slayer
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
, Ill Niño
Ill Niño
Ill Niño is an American six-piece metal band from New Jersey founded in 1998. The band has sold over 3.3 million units worldwide; they have 5 studio albums and 10 music videos.-History:...
and Stone Sour
Stone Sour
Stone Sour is an American rock band from Des Moines, Iowa. Since 2006, the group has been composed of Corey Taylor , Jim Root , Josh Rand, , Shawn Economaki and Roy Mayorga . Original drummer Joel Ekman left the group in 2006...
for the Soundwave Festival On April 20 in an article with Adelitas Way, frontman Rick Dejesus mentioned that there was an Adelitas Way, Sevendust tour in the works.
The band has recently said they are working on some "HEAVY" new music, and hinted that this new album and tour may be their last.
Style and lyrical themes
Influenced by Living ColourLiving Colour
Living Colour is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1984. Stylistically, the band's music is a creative fusion influenced by free jazz, funk, neo-psychedelia, hard rock, and heavy metal...
, Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister
Twisted Sister is an American heavy metal band from Long Island. Musically, the band implements elements of traditional heavy metal bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, along with a style that is similar to early glam metal bands...
and Faith No More
Faith No More
Faith No More is an American rock band from San Francisco, California, formed originally as Faith No Man in 1981 by bassist Billy Gould, keyboardist Wade Worthington, vocalist Michael Morris and drummer Mike Bordin. A year later when Worthington was replaced by keyboardist Roddy Bottum, and Mike...
, Sevendust has been labeled as heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
, alternative metal
Alternative metal
Alternative metal is a genre of alternative rock and heavy metal that gained popularity in the early 1990s. Most notably, alternative metal bands are characterized by heavy guitar riffs and experimental approaches to heavy music.-Origins:...
, industrial metal
Industrial metal
Industrial metal is a musical genre that draws from industrial music and many different types of heavy metal, using repeating metal guitar riffs, sampling, synthesizer or sequencer lines, and distorted vocals. Founding industrial metal acts include Ministry, Godflesh, and KMFDM.Industrial metal's...
and nu metal
Nu metal
Nu metal is a subgenre of heavy metal. It is a fusion genre which combines elements of heavy metal with other genres, including grunge and hip hop...
.
John Connolly, guitarist for the group was asked what the band defined their genre as;
I don't know. I've been trying to figure that out. It was back in the day. People, for five minutes called us progressive, and then it was nu-metal. Then, all of a sudden, we were playing alternative metal. We are some kind of heavy and some kind of rock and some kind of metal.
Band members
Current members- Lajon WitherspoonLajon WitherspoonLajon Witherspoon is the vocalist for the Atlanta-based alternative metal band Sevendust. Members from such bands as Staind, Seether, Alter Bridge, and Diecast have listed Lajon and Sevendust as musical influences. In March 2008, Lajon was recognized in Hit Parader's magazine as one of the "Top...
– lead vocalsLead vocalistThe lead vocalist is the member of a band who sings the main vocal portions of a song. They may also play one or more instruments. Lead vocalists are sometimes referred to as the frontman or frontwoman, and as such, are usually considered to be the "leader" of the groups they perform in, often the...
(1994–present) - Clint LoweryClint LoweryClint Lowery is an American musician and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist of the heavy metal band Sevendust. He has also played in Dark New Day and Still Rain and served as the touring guitarist for Korn through most of 2007....
– lead guitarLead guitarLead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
, backing vocalsBacking vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
(1994–2004, 2008–present) - John ConnollyJohn Connolly (musician)John Connolly was born on October 21, 1967 in New Jersey. Connolly was a drummer for the band Piece Dogs. He then joined Sevendust for Rhythm Guitar and has recorded with them on all their releases to date. Connolly is also one of the primary songwriters for Sevendust...
– rhythm guitarRhythm guitarRhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
, backing vocals (1994–present) - Vince HornsbyVinnie HornsbyVince Hornsby is the bassist for Alternative metal band Sevendust. He is known for his humorous demeanor and facial expressions during live shows...
– bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(1994–present) - Morgan RoseMorgan RoseMorgan Jay Rose is an American drummer, record producer and founding member of the Atlanta-based alternative metal band Sevendust. He is also responsible for much of the background "screaming" vocals.-Career:...
– drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, percussionPercussion instrumentA percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
, backing vocals (1994–present)
Former members
- Sonny MayoSonny MayoSonny Mayo is an American guitarist, songwriter, and music producer. He began playing in a thrash metal band called Silence in the late '80's. Silence , regularly sold out venues in the DC Metro area including the famous "Bayou" in Georgetown...
– guitar (2005–2008)
Touring members;
- B.C. Kochmit - guitar (January 2011)
Discography
- SevendustSevendust (album)Definitive Edition Bonus Tracks Definitive Edition DVD #Live & Loud#Electronic Press Kit #Behind The Scenes & Live Footage-Personnel:*Lajon Witherspoon - lead vocals...
(1997) - HomeHome (Sevendust album)-Personnel:*Lajon Witherspoon - lead vocals*John Connolly - guitar, backing vocals*Clint Lowery - guitar, backing vocals*Vinnie Hornsby - bass guitar*Morgan Rose - drums, backing vocals*Deborah Anne "Skin" Dyer - additional vocals...
(1999) - AnimosityAnimosity (Sevendust album)Animosity is the third studio album by Sevendust, released on November 13, 2001 through TvT Records. The album appeared on the Billboard 200, remained there for thirteen weeks and peaked at 28 on December 1, 2001. Animosity was certified gold on March 11, 2002 through the Recording Industry...
(2001) - Seasons (2003)
- NextNext (Sevendust album)- Album :- Singles :- Personnel :* Lajon Witherspoon – lead vocals* John Connolly – guitar, backing vocals* Sonny Mayo – guitar* Vinnie Hornsby – bass guitar* Morgan Rose – drums, backing vocals...
(2005) - AlphaAlpha (Sevendust album)Target Exclusive Bonus TrackU.K. Import Bonus Tracks- Album :- Singles :- Personnel :* Lajon Witherspoon – lead vocals* John Connolly – guitar, backing vocals* Vinnie Hornsby – bass guitar* Morgan Rose – drums, backing vocals...
(2007) - Chapter VII: Hope & SorrowChapter VII: Hope & Sorrow- Bonus tracks :* "Lucky One" - 3:05* "Heart in Your Hands" - 3:35* "Disgust" - 3:40- Personnel :* Lajon Witherspoon – lead vocals* John Connolly – lead guitar, backing vocals...
(2008) - Cold Day MemoryCold Day MemoryCold Day Memory is the eighth studio album by American alternative metal band Sevendust released on April 20, 2010. This album marks the return of guitarist Clint Lowery who previously left Sevendust in 2004 to work with Dark New Day...
(2010)