One of the best-selling Canadian bands of all time are experiencing a vibrant, full circle moment. The multi-platinum Juno Award-winning group consists of Scott Anderson (Vocals), James Black (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals), Rick Jackett (Rhythm Guitar), Sean Anderson (Bass) & Steve Molella (Drums).

 

This is their first studio release in a decade, so here's my track by track run-down of it.

 

01. Adrenaline

The track explodes open with a fabulous beat followed immediately by a galloping, relentless riff that defines the song's energy. This heavy sound is given an even sharper edge by Scott Anderson's gutteral vocals, which perfectly match the feel of the music.

 

That core riff is truly irresistible; it immediately stirs a reaction in me, much like the song's title suggests, pushing a surge of adrenaline right into your gut. It's the kind of track that makes you want to head bang and shout the lyrics. This is a heavy sounding rock song and an excellent, powerful way to open the album.

 

02. Blue Sky Mystery (feat. Filter Vocalist, Richard Patrick)

The song's core strength lies in the successful collaboration between Scott Anderson and Filter's Richard Patrick, whose similar singing styles perfectly complement each other across their traded verses. Musically, the track maintains the heavy, deliberate pace of the first song, building its power through weight rather than speed.

 

However, the true standout is Sean Anderson's drumming, which is so good I found myself "air drumming". Overall, the dynamic addition of the second vocalist elevates an already really good song that powerfully captures its central theme of obsession.

 

03. Cold Concrete

The distorted guitar sound has become the running theme across the first three tracks, and I absolutely love it. This heavy, gritty texture immediately establishes a darker, heavier feel for the entire album. While I'd hoped the guitar crackle that introduces the musical break would be even more heavier, the section that followed still integrated perfectly with the song's overall structure.

 

The true gravity of the track comes from the lyrics and the vocal performance. Scott masterfully delivers the mood, grime, and sheer power, showing that his voice is the true heavy component of the song. So far, I am loving this album.

 

04. Lock Me Up

This song starts out as a moody ballad with Scott's soulful voice taking us on a relationship journey. As it builds the story, the tempo increases and the music builds. Breaks to silence and the chorus bursts with 'don't lock me up inside your head'.

 

While it's not a heavy song like the first three it still has the intensity and power.

 

05. Last Night On Earth

An acoustic relationship break-up song. It's the sort of song that you won't like initially but when you hear it live and your partner squeezes you close and you catch that teared look in her eye, then the song will always have that special moment. But for me personally I wanted the heavy Metal thundering back.

 

06. The Mountain

Yes! Metal is back! Powerful drums and sweeping guitar. Followed by great rhythm.

The vocals from Scott burst through and it sounds heavy, gritty and just fantastic.

The chorus is a perfect fist pounding yes! The tempo carries on through the verse to the next rousing chorus.

 

This is more my style. The words 'Down comes the mountain' thunders into a heavy break. I need to hear this live! Best song on the album for me so far. Excellent.

 

07. Perfect Effigy

Like the third song, it isn't a fast tempo, no hurry to get to where it's going. any sense of calm is immediately shattered by the sheer weight of the sound. It's heavy, underpinned by a vocal performance of undeniable power. When the phrase 'perfect effigy' is almost growled out by Scott, the tension ratchets up.

 

Then, the track erupts with the fierce declaration of 'BURN BURN,' and the music turns truly monstrous. This leads into a thrilling, headbanging instrumental break, punctuated by Scott's venomous words: 'Burn..Burn!'

The raw power of the song is overwhelming, leaving me completely breathless and bringing that visceral, deep-seated emotion powerfully to the surface.

 

08. Wall Dogs

After the last two tracks I need this ballad. This isn't just another song though, it is a beautifully crafted ballad. Everything about it, from the tender, sweeping music to the deeply felt lyrics.

It is providing a necessary breath and a sense of healing after the heavy punch of the last two tracks.

 

09. Laughing at the Storm

A restrained Rock song, it builds up to a storm towards the end. But the Journey it takes you on is a good one. Definitely a sit down and listen song to appreciate it. But in a live setting the climactic cacophony of sound cut with the line 'I'm not going anywhere' will make this a definite favourite to head bang too.

 

10. Body and Mind

Did I just choose the wrong time to listen to this song. Going through my own health issues and just losing a friend to Cancer. Then I listen to this Bluesy ballad. Take what ever meaning from it that fits you, I certainly did. It is a beautiful song. Best Ballad on the album.

 

11. Blue Sky Mystery

The second song on the album sung with with Filter Vocalist, Richard Patrick, is now revisited without Richard. A good song to finish a good album.

 

Overall thoughts:

The heavier tracks appeal to more than the ballads. Of which are seven songs.

They are really great songs. Absolutely love them. My play list would include all of these.

But the more mellow ballad songs are good songs and my lady loves them.

 

I particularly love the last ballad 'Body and Mind'. These song are good in a way as I can take my girlfriend along and she will love the live performance. It is a very good album but seems to be to halfs, two sides to Finger Eleven. I can't wait to see how they translate on the live shows.