Shinedown releases 3rd album 'The sound of madness'

Out now is Shinedown's third album "The sound of madness" via Atlantic Records which is the follow-up to 2005's "Us and them". The Florida based rockers collaborated with producer Rob Cavallo for this album. Cavallo's previous productions included work for Green Day, My Chemical Romance, the Goo Goo Dolls and Kid Rock to name just a few. "The sound of madness" is based on 60 songs Smith submitted plus a few songs that were written in the studio during the recording process. Expect a mix of rock and more sophisticated, emotional dynamics enhanced by a 20-piece string section on "The sound of madness". Also included is the band's first political inspired song, the track "Devour", which was written after the band's visit to troops in Iraq; a pity there are no Shinedown photos from that trip on their website. Needless to say that the song "Deour" is not all that glorifying for Bush.

The band was formed in early 2001 by four friends Brent Smith, Jasin Todd, Brad Stewart, and Barry Kerch. Though they have gone through many line-up changes, the band's two main members, lead vocalist Brent Smith and drummer Barry Kerch still remain. The current lineup includes 5 members adding former Silvertide member Nick Perri on guitars, Eric Bass on bass, and former touring guitarist Zach Myers as a permanent member. Known for their live gigs, the success story is not just a coïncidence. "It are the Shinedown concerts which pushed the band to the position they are now", says Lauren Jask, a longtime fan from the band. And if you check the fans' interactions on the band's official webpage than you can only but assume that that's the correct conclusion to take.

The band is notable for having a song performed by an American Idol contestant; Chris Daughtry sang their single "I Dare You" during a performance.