Chapter V

“歌もん”ヘヴィ・ロック、ここに極まる！全米NO.1連続獲得バンド、ステインドの2年ぶり5th（メジャー4作目）アルバム！彼らの第5章(チャプターV)がここに始まる！

ith 2001's multi-platinum-selling album BREAK THE CYCLE and the accompanying hit "It's Been Awhile", Springfield, Massachusetts-based hard rockers Staind went from nu-metal contenders to crossover mega-stars. Luckily, however, fame did little to change the band's trademark mix of solidly melodic metal, earnest lyrics, and unpretentious what-you-see-is-what-you-get image. Two albums later, CHAPTER V shows the band branching out a little, albeit in a typically understated, tasteful way. Thematically, many of the songs here concern the price of sudden success and the group's relationship with its uber-loyal fanbase. "Reply" is a heartfelt thanks for every adoring letter, while "Run Away" expresses uncertainty about the fickleness of fortune. Musically, the group sticks to what it does best; a mix of grungy metal and heartfelt ballads, but with a few welcome twists such as the tricky Robert Fripp-like guitar picking on "Paper Jesus" and "Please" and the complex rhythm-section figures on "Right Here". "Everything Changes" is one of the band's best-ever slow songs, sounding more like the Goo Doo Dolls than Godsmack. A subtly affecting album of substantial music, CHAPTER V showcases Staind at the top of its game.|

ナチュラルに、そしてキメ細やかに──歌ものヘヴィー・ロックの頂点＝ステインドの通算5枚目となる新作。3ドアーズ・ダウンらフォロアーが次々と頭角を現すなか、確実にその独自の世界を拡げてきた彼らには頭が下がる。包み込む優しさと突き離すほかできねぇ男の寂響を歌い上げるアーロン・ルイスの影は、過去最大のスケールで空いっぱいに広がり、オレらの頭上を覆うのさ。じんわり頭のてっぺんから染み入るぜ。
bounce (C)濁川 洋