BY MIKE METTLER – MARCH 1, 2018
Twenty years since the release of their self-titled debut album and 20 million album sales later, Godsmack are set to release When Legends Rise, their first album in 4 years, on April 27, 2018 via BMG. The album is available for pre-order here, featuring the instant grat track “Bulletproof.”
“Bulletproof” shows the band — vocalist/guitarist Sully Erna, aforementioned guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill, and aforementioned drummer Shannon Larkin — doubling down on their combination of tightly wound riffs, rhythmic fury, naked emotions, and pushed-to-the-edge vocals, all fired up with melodic precision and tight songcraft. An official music video is coming soon, but you can listen to “Bulletproof” right here, right now:
When Legends Rise, the band’s seventh studio album, was recorded at their GSHQ headquarters in Derry, New Hampshire, and was produced by Erik Ron and Sully Erna. Sonically intense and layered, Rise kicks off with the title track, which commences with tribal-style drums and lethal riffs. That song speaks to “the band and our journey,” continues Erna. “It’s been an amazing road we have traveled through all the ups and downs. But being able to conquer those challenging times with alcohol and egos and everything else that can tear a band apart is what we are the most proud of. To be able to stand strong again and do it better than we ever have. It’s about burning it down and building it back up. It’s the phoenix rising from the ashes!”
Godsmack, Mach 2018, and still on the Rise.
Emotions run strong on “Bulletproof,” as Erna notes, “I always write about things that have affected me on an emotional level. I think everyone knows that about me by now. But if I choose to do that, I have to be prepared to be honest and vulnerable. And so the challenge is figuring out how ‘exposed’ you want to be with personal information. But I’ve also learned over the years that for me, being transparent, even to the point of embarrassment sometimes, is so much better than holding it inside and extending that pain longer than you need to. ‘Bulletproof’ is just another moment in my life when I allowed myself to be vulnerable and got hurt. It’s this kind of carelessness from other people that eventually hardens you and forces you to put up that wall to protect yourself. So when and if they circle back around and try to get back in, you make yourself bulletproof.”
Another album standout is the anthemic “Unforgettable” with its towering, massive sound — and some special vocal guests. “It’s my favorite song on the record,” admits Erna. “And thanks to an organization I work with called C.A.T.S. [Community Alliance for Teen Safety] that focuses on helping young kids stay on the right path, I invited a bunch of kids from the Derry Middle Schools of New Hampshire to sing with me, which I feel really brought this song over the top! They were incredible, and the song is Unforgettable!”
Erna stands tall, and tells it like it is.
When Legends Rise is also highlighted by the powerful, string-laden ballad “Under Your Scars.” “I come from a very broad background in music,” explains Erna. “My great uncle was a famous composer in Sicily, and my dad is still a musician and runs an Italian band in the Boston area. As I’ve grown over the years as an artist, I’ve regressed back to all types of music and instruments I love working with and composing. I called upon my dear friend Irina Chirkova to lay down the cello parts, and Zvezdelina Haltakova did all the violin parts for me. [Both of these artists are from Bulgaria.] And I really feel that this specific track will be something people will gravitate towards, since it’s the first real ballad we’ve put on a Godsmack record. I think, like it or not, they will gravitate towards it to explore it out of curiosity. But again, it’s about taking risks and expanding.”
Godsmack will perform at seven U.S. festivals between April 27 and July 14 (see the dates below), to be followed later this year by a major outdoor amphitheater tour (details TBA).
GODSMACK: WHEN LEGENDS RISE
TRACK LISTING
GODSMACK – INITIAL 2018 TOUR DATES
DATE CITY VENUE
GODSMACK – SOCIALS
