SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: SHINEDOWN – PLANET ZERO

Shinedown
Planet Zero
Atlantic Records

Shinedown is returning with their seventh studio album, Planet Zero. This 20-track in-your-face album with 13 actual songs, comes at a time when it coincidentally feels as though a terrifying dystopian society is possible, and Shinedown is here to open our eyes. The band’s bassist Eric Bass has said that Planet Zero ‘could potentially be the future we all live in: a place with zero sense, zero accountability, zero tolerance for any opinion different from what you hear on Twitter or TV’.

“No Sleep Tonight” is a thrashy fight back anthem against the toxic forces that have divided us and caused social unrest. Lead single “Planet Zero”, is an intense discourse warning us that if we continue the divisive path we are on, there ill be serious dehumanizing consequences.

We are then welcomed to Planet Zero in 35 seconds by an insidious robot called Cyren, dictating what is expected of you, followed by “we hope you enjoy your stay”. She continues for about 30 seconds every 2 or 3 songs, chanting random messages to orientate you to the new world yet seem to be brainwashing you into believing this is what’s best for you. At one point she says “Please relax, do not panic. This world is not on fire.”

“Daylight” is a powerful and emotional message to the listener, that none of us are alone in all of this. Human relationships and support of one another are vital in helping us all make it to the next day. The listener will not just hear but feel every song on this album.

This album is an obvious wakeup call for mankind. The music will keep you engaged the entire time, and the lyrics will speak to you. They perfectly describe every single event that is happening in the world the past couple of years. Shinedown is sending the most powerful message that they or anyone have ever sent out, that we need to start taking care of each other before we turn this place into Planet Zero.

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