A towering achievement of sludgy, mid-tempo homogeneity

Nu-metal, the late-'90s most embarrassing, self-serious musical trend, isn't even a blip on the cultural radar any more. It has vanished, supplanted by -- what else? -- its own little offshoots, ones that mostly lean in a funnier, emo-ish direction. This doesn't mean that the genre's former multi-platinum titans aren't still pumping out self-important "return to form"-style releases; Staind's new Chapter V is just that, further cementing nu-metal's complete irrelevance. A towering achievement of sludgy, mid-tempo homogeneity, Chapter V exists in a time warp where dead-serious, loud n' grandiose music still reads as affecting, and where blunt, graceless lyrics that shill their author's pedestrian pop-psych worldview don't bludgeon the senses -- like they do in real life. Big time.

Aaron Lewis vs Chad Kroeger

It's funny how most people didn't know Staind existed till "Outside" or more so "It's Been A While" received airplay on the Top 40 stations. Before that, they were a lot heavier and lots of people had no clue they were even the same band. It's true, some cuts on the album "Chapter V" sound like songs from previous albums but yet in the same sense they sound completely different. It has something for everyone on it, little heavier, to more mellow. To compare them to Nickelback is like a slap in the face. Chad Kroeger(Nickelback) has to be one of my favorite singers(bands), but there is no comparison between the two. Chapter V is one of the best CD's I have bought in a long time. And Staind is one of the best rock bands of all time. I just guess I'm a loyal Staind Fan. From "Mudshovel" to "Right Here", if you're a Staind fan you'll definitely love this "Chapter V" masterpiece.

STAIND ROCKS !

I've LOVED Staind since the first time I heard "It's been Awhile" ... Aaron's voice echos to my soul ... the lyrics are powerful and so true... I sing loud and the stress of my life disappears...I couldn't pick a favorite song from this cd cos they're all great - even the more 'mellow' songs are awesome... I can't wait to see them live (again!) 6 weeks from today ! And for all you Staind-haters, more than one of my non-Staind-loving friends has been swayed with this cd....Rock on !!