Confessions of the Fallen
Confessions of the Fallen is the eighth studio album by the American rock band Staind, released on September 22, 2023, through BMG Rights Management.[1] It marks the band's first full-length studio release in twelve years, succeeding their self-titled seventh album from 2011, and debuted at number one on the Billboard Rock Albums and Hard Rock Albums charts.[2][3] The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Erik Ron at studios including Grey Area Studio in Burbank, California; Loud Recording in Nashville, Tennessee; and a rehearsal studio in Ludlow, Massachusetts.[4] [5] It features the band's core lineup of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist and backing vocalist Johnny April, and drummer Sal Giancarelli.[6] [7] The record consists of ten tracks, clocking in at approximately 35 minutes, and includes singles such as "Lowest in Me" and "In This Condition".[5] [8] In 2024, a deluxe edition of Confessions of the Fallen was issued, adding three new tracks: "Full of Emptiness", "Eyes Wide Open", and "Better Days (Acoustic)".[9] The album received generally positive reception for its return to the band's early 2000s nu-metal and post-grunge sound, with themes centered on personal vulnerability, regret, and emotional introspection.[4]Background and development
Band hiatus and reunion
Following the release of their self-titled seventh studio album in 2011, Staind entered an extended hiatus from new recordings, with frontman Aaron Lewis announcing in July 2012 that the band would take a break to pursue individual endeavors, though he emphasized it was not a permanent split.[10] This period lasted 12 years until the completion of their eighth album, Confessions of the Fallen, marking the longest gap between releases in the band's history.[11] During the hiatus, Lewis shifted focus to a solo career in country music, releasing his debut album The Road in November 2012 and follow-up Sinner in September 2016, both of which explored personal themes including family life and emotional struggles.[12] He also prioritized time with his family, citing the demands of touring and personal issues as factors in stepping away from Staind's intense schedule.[10] Guitarist Mike Mushok remained active in the music scene by joining Jason Newsted's band Newsted for their 2013 debut album and contributing as a founding member and guitarist for hard rock group Saint Asonia, co-writing material for their 2015 self-titled release.[13] Bassist Johnny April took on production roles for other artists, including work with Sakara and Otan Vargas during the early years of the break.[14] The band's reunion gained momentum in 2019 with a series of festival and one-off performances after an initial five-year lull in activity, reignited by discussions among members about recapturing their rock foundations.[15] This evolved into informal jam sessions during their 2021 support slot on Korn's tour, where new riffs and ideas began to solidify, followed by dedicated 2022 sessions that emphasized returning to Staind's heavier, introspective rock sound amid Lewis's country detours.[16][17] The reunion lineup featured a change on drums, as original member Jon Wysocki departed in May 2011 shortly after the self-titled album's completion, citing personal discomfort with fame and internal tensions, particularly with Lewis.[18] Wysocki died on May 18, 2024, at the age of 53, due to liver issues.[19] He was replaced by Sal Giancarelli, Staind's longtime drum technician who had filled in as a touring member starting in 2011 and brought prior experience from local New York scenes and tech roles with acts like Godsmack.[20][6]Songwriting and pre-production
The songwriting for Confessions of the Fallen began in late 2021, with frontman Aaron Lewis taking the primary role in crafting the lyrics. Drawing from his personal struggles with addiction and mental health, Lewis infused the material with introspective and confessional narratives that reflected his ongoing battles and recovery journey.[21][22] Guitarist Mike Mushok provided collaborative input through riffs and song structures, contributing foundational musical elements that complemented Lewis's words. Early demos were recorded informally during the band's 2022 rehearsals, allowing the group to experiment and refine ideas in a low-pressure environment following their reunion. The extended hiatus since 2011 profoundly influenced these song concepts, fostering themes of reflection and confession as the members processed years of separation and personal growth.[21][13] In early 2023, pre-production meetings helped solidify the album's direction, where the band narrowed down over 20 initial ideas to the final 10 tracks for the standard edition. This selection process emphasized cohesion and emotional depth, ensuring the material aligned with Staind's signature intensity. Additionally, the decision to incorporate synthesizers marked a notable evolution; Lewis had first explored these elements in his solo country work, but they were adapted here to enhance the band's rock sound with subtle electronic textures.[21][23]Musical style and composition
Genre and instrumentation
Confessions of the Fallen is classified as alternative metal, incorporating elements of nu metal and post-grunge that recall Staind's signature sound from the 2000s, while featuring a polished modern production that enhances its accessibility.[5][24][25] The album showcases prominent heavy guitar riffs crafted by Mike Mushok, often downtuned to amplify aggression, as evident in tracks like "Lowest in Me," where the riffing drives the song's intense, brooding atmosphere.[26][27] Introducing synthesizers and electronic elements marks a notable evolution from the band's earlier acoustic-leaning works, adding atmospheric layers particularly in the title track and other selections, creating a synth-filled soundscape that blends seamlessly with the rock foundation.[28][25] Drum patterns performed by Sal Giancarelli hold together the rhythm section alongside the bass, providing support for the album's emotional intensity.[27] Johnny April's bass lines provide a strong groove that supports the album's heavy, intense sound.[29]Themes and lyrics
The central theme of Confessions of the Fallen revolves around personal confession and vulnerability, with frontman Aaron Lewis delving into his struggles with addiction, regret, and the pursuit of redemption. In the title track, Lewis confronts his inner weaknesses through lines like "You don't know me at my weakest / Never seen me fall," portraying a raw admission of personal failings that echoes the album's overarching narrative of self-reckoning.[30][31] This confessional style underscores Lewis's emotional exposure, as he grapples with the consequences of past choices and seeks a path toward healing, evident in the album's brooding introspection.[32] The album further explores mental health struggles and the complexities of relationships, particularly in tracks like "Cycle of Hurting" and "In This Condition." In "Cycle of Hurting," lyrics such as "All my faults are all my fault" highlight cycles of self-inflicted pain and relational damage stemming from unresolved trauma, blending themes of emotional dependency and mental exhaustion.[27] Similarly, "In This Condition" questions endurance amid despair with phrases like "How can I carry on in this condition?" reflecting battles with isolation and the strain on personal connections.[32][31] These elements portray relationships not as sources of solace but as mirrors to deeper psychological turmoil. A key contrast emerges between aggression and introspection throughout the lyrics, maintaining a raw, confessional tone reminiscent of Staind's earlier work like Break the Cycle. Songs such as "Lowest in Me" channel aggressive frustration with heavy, chaotic imagery—"You bring out the lowest that I have in me / I feel the chaos and the gravity"—while more reflective tracks like "Here and Now" shift to contemplative pleas for presence and resolution.[33][27] This duality captures Lewis's internal conflict, balancing outbursts of anger with moments of quiet vulnerability.[31] Post-hiatus, the lyrics demonstrate an evolution toward greater maturity, incorporating a toned-down intensity compared to the band's more volatile 2000s output. Lewis's writing reflects life experience and emotional growth, moving away from the raw fury of albums like Dysfunction toward nuanced explorations of regret and hope, as seen in the redemptive undertones of "Better Days."[22][32] This shift emphasizes introspection over confrontation, signaling a more seasoned perspective shaped by the band's twelve-year absence.[31] Recurring motifs of shadows and darkness symbolize inner turmoil across multiple tracks, reinforcing the album's atmospheric depth. In the title track, Lewis embodies these elements directly—"I'm the darkness, I'm the shadows / Dancing on your wall"—using them as metaphors for hidden demons and elusive peace.[30] This imagery persists in songs like "Was Any of It Real?," where shadowy doubt permeates questions of authenticity in relationships and self-perception, creating a cohesive thread of obscured emotional landscapes.[27][31]Production and recording
Studio sessions
Recording for Confessions of the Fallen took place at Grey Area Studios in Burbank, California; Loud Recording in Nashville, Tennessee; and a rehearsal studio in Ludlow, Massachusetts.[4][5] Song ideas began forming during the band's 2021 tour with Korn, with development progressing in 2022 alongside producer Erik Ron.[26][34] The band captured basic tracks collectively, followed by overdubs, emphasizing live room takes to preserve authenticity. They blended vintage gear like Marshall amplifiers for guitars with modern digital tools.[35][26] Basic tracking wrapped by mid-2023, allowing time for post-production before the September release.[34]Production team and techniques
Erik Ron served as the primary producer, engineer, and mixer for Confessions of the Fallen, leveraging his expertise in rock production honed through collaborations with bands such as Godsmack on their 2023 album Lighting Up the Sky and Papa Roach on tracks like the 2022 demo "Spotlight".[17][36][2] Ron's involvement was pivotal in modernizing Staind's sound, allowing the band to incorporate contemporary elements while preserving their core intensity, as he worked remotely with the members during pre-production and recording phases.[17][26] Lead vocalist Aaron Lewis exerted significant influence over the production process, guiding vocal performances to emphasize raw emotion and contributing to the album's introspective vibe through close collaboration with Ron on arrangement decisions.[37] This hands-on approach ensured the vocals aligned with the lyrical themes of vulnerability and redemption. The album was mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound, who applied techniques to achieve optimal loudness and dynamic range suitable for streaming platforms, resulting in a polished yet aggressive final product that balances clarity and power.[38] Production techniques included layering synthesizers beneath guitar riffs to add atmospheric depth and modern texture, particularly on tracks like "Lowest in Me," as well as employing vocal effects such as reverb and subtle distortion in choruses to heighten emotional impact without overpowering the raw delivery. These methods, inspired by Ron's work with electronic-infused rock acts, helped bridge Staind's nu-metal roots with current production trends.[23]Release and promotion
Album editions and release
The standard edition of Confessions of the Fallen was released on September 22, 2023, through BMG Rights Management (US) LLC under the Alchemy Recordings imprint.[5] It was made available in multiple formats, including CD in a digipak with an 8-page booklet, various limited-edition vinyl pressings (such as orange in ultra clear and splatter variants), digital download, and streaming platforms.[39] The initial announcement of the album occurred on April 19, 2023, alongside the debut single "Lowest in Me," marking Staind's first new material in over a decade.[11] A deluxe edition followed on September 6, 2024, expanding the original 10-track album with three additional songs: "Take," "Full of Emptiness," and a reworked version of "Better Days" featuring guest vocals from Dorothy.[40] This version extended the total runtime to 45:12, up from the standard edition's 35:27.[41] Like the standard release, the deluxe edition was distributed via BMG in digital and streaming formats, with physical options including CD and vinyl.[9] Physical editions of both the standard and deluxe versions featured packaging with lyric booklets to accompany the introspective themes of the record.[5] The distribution strategy emphasized accessibility across rock radio airplay and major digital platforms, ensuring broad reach for the post-hiatus comeback album.[42] The releases were tied to promotional singles like "Lowest in Me" and "Here and Now," which preceded the full album rollout.Singles and marketing
The lead single from Confessions of the Fallen, "Lowest in Me", was released on April 19, 2023, with a visualizer video directed by DJay Brawner released on May 31, 2023, that emphasized the song's introspective themes through abstract imagery and performance clips.[43] The track marked Staind's return to the airwaves after over a decade, quickly gaining traction on rock radio and ultimately peaking at number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, the band's first such achievement since 2011.[44] The third single, "In This Condition", was released on August 23, 2023, accompanied by an official visualizer video.[2] On September 12, 2023, Staind issued the second single, "Here and Now", alongside an official music video directed by Bradley Golowin, which captured the band in a raw, live-performance setting to highlight the song's urgent call for presence amid personal turmoil.[45] The release built anticipation for the album's full launch later that month, with the video garnering millions of views and reinforcing the track's emotional resonance on streaming platforms.[46] Following the album's deluxe edition in 2024, Staind released "Better Days" featuring vocalist Dorothy as a promotional single on April 19, 2024, presenting a reimagined duet version of the original album track along with accompanying live recordings from recent performances.[47] The animated lyric video for the single underscored themes of resilience and hope, while the live versions offered fans intimate acoustic interpretations shared via digital platforms.[48] Marketing efforts for Confessions of the Fallen centered on digital engagement and targeted outreach to the rock community. Staind utilized social media channels, including Instagram and YouTube, to share teasers, behind-the-scenes footage, and pre-order announcements, fostering direct interaction with fans through posts that highlighted album artwork and snippet previews. Email newsletters were distributed to subscribers via the band's official site, providing exclusive updates on single drops and album details to build hype ahead of the September 22, 2023, release.[49] Partnerships with prominent rock media outlets, such as Blabbermouth and Loudwire, amplified promotion through exclusive premieres of singles and videos, ensuring broad exposure on industry-leading platforms.[34] Pre-order campaigns offered incentives like limited-edition merchandise bundles—including signed vinyl and apparel—and instant gratification tracks for early digital purchasers, encouraging fan investment prior to the album's street date.[37]Touring
To promote Confessions of the Fallen, Staind embarked on a co-headlining U.S. tour with Godsmack in summer 2023, spanning 25 dates from July 18 at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis, Missouri, to August 31 at Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, Texas.[50][51] The outing supported both bands' new releases, with Staind drawing heavily from their long-awaited album to re-engage fans after a 12-year gap between records.[52] Setlists during the tour featured the debut of "Lowest in Me" from Confessions of the Fallen, marking the live premiere of new material that blended the band's nu-metal roots with introspective post-grunge elements, amid a catalog of hits like "Fade" and "It's Been Awhile."[53][54] These performances allowed Staind to test audience reactions to the new songs, helping refine the album's stage adaptation.[55] In spring 2024, Staind conducted an eight-date radio promotion tour from April 18 at St. Augustine Amphitheatre in St. Augustine, Florida, to May 4 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, appearing at radio festivals with rotating openers such as Seether, I Prevail, and Daughtry.[56][57] The run included live performances of album tracks alongside interviews, emphasizing direct fan and media engagement to build momentum for the record.[58] Overlapping with the radio dates, the "Tailgate Tour" ran from April 22 at Brandon Amphitheater in Brandon, Mississippi, to May 15 at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre in Pelham, Alabama, co-headlining with Seether and featuring Saint Asonia and Tim Montana.[59] The tour highlighted pre-show fan meet-and-greets at tailgate areas, fostering intimate interactions that complemented the high-energy sets of songs like "Here and Now" and "Right Here."[60][61] The promotional efforts extended into fall 2024 with a 23-date co-headlining tour alongside Breaking Benjamin, with Daughtry opening, from September 10 at The Pavilion at Star Lake in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, to October 25 at Moody Center in Austin, Texas.[62] Following the August 2024 release of the deluxe edition of Confessions of the Fallen—adding tracks like "Full of Emptiness" and "Take"—Staind incorporated selections from the expanded album into setlists, alongside staples to showcase the project's evolution.[9][63] Promotion continued into 2025 with a spring co-headlining tour with Breaking Benjamin, announced on December 3, 2024, consisting of 20 U.S. dates as an extension of their 2024 "Awaken the Fallen Tour," featuring new tracks from the deluxe edition.[64] Additionally, a fall 2025 tour was announced, further supporting the album through live performances.[65]Reception
Critical response
Upon its release, Confessions of the Fallen received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its return to Staind's signature post-grunge and alternative metal sound after a 12-year hiatus, though some noted a lack of significant innovation. The album's aggregated critic score on platforms like Album of the Year hovered around 70-80 out of 100 based on select professional assessments, with a consensus highlighting its nostalgic appeal for longtime fans through heavy riffs and introspective themes. Blabbermouth.net awarded the album 8.5 out of 10, commending Aaron Lewis's emotion-drenched vocals and Mike Mushok's guitar work, particularly the fiery solo and tortured delivery in the title track, which added epic depth to its heavier elements.[31] Similarly, Riff Magazine gave it 8 out of 10, lauding Lewis's versatile performance—from powerful screams in "Lowest in Me" to melodic highs in ballads like "Here and Now"—and the album's blend of aggression with singalong choruses that evoked the band's early 2000s era.[27] Critics offered mixed views on the album's creativity; Sputnikmusic rated it 3.5 out of 5, appreciating the solid production and heartfelt lyrics but critiquing its familiarity and lack of evolution beyond chorus-driven melodies and distorted guitars, describing it as leaning toward mainstream radio fare rather than pushing boundaries.[66] The 2024 deluxe edition, which added three bonus tracks including the new single "Full of Emptiness," "Take," and "Better Days" (featuring Dorothy), was seen as a welcome expansion offering previously unreleased material, though reviewers and fans viewed it as additive rather than transformative to the core album.[9]Commercial performance
Upon its release in September 2023, Confessions of the Fallen debuted at number 64 on the US Billboard 200 chart, with first-week consumption of approximately 13,600 units, comprising streams, track equivalent albums, and traditional album sales.[67][68] The album performed stronger in genre-specific rankings, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums chart.[3] Internationally, the album charted at number 2 on the UK Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart, where it spent two weeks in the top 100.[69] It also entered the Swiss Albums Chart at number 16 for one week.[70] Additional placements included number 18 on the German Albums Chart, number 35 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart, and number 85 on the Canadian Albums Chart.[71] The deluxe edition, released on August 9, 2024, with three new tracks including "Full of Emptiness," "Take," and "Better Days" (featuring Dorothy), contributed to a resurgence in popularity and prompted re-entries on various rock charts.[9]Track listing and credits
Track listing
The standard edition of Confessions of the Fallen features ten tracks with a total runtime of 35:22. All tracks on the album were written by Staind members Aaron Lewis, Mike Mushok, Johnny April, and Sal Giancarelli, and produced by Erik Ron.[72][4]| No. | Title | Duration | Writers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Lowest in Me" | 3:07 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |
| 2. | "Was Any of It Real?" | 2:51 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |
| 3. | "In This Condition" | 3:29 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |
| 4. | "Here and Now" | 3:57 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |
| 5. | "Out of Time" | 3:15 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |
| 6. | "Cycle of Hurting" | 3:49 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |
| 7. | "The Fray" | 4:03 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |
| 8. | "Better Days" | 3:52 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |
| 9. | "Eyes Wide Open" | 3:19 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |
| 10. | "Not Again" | 3:35 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |
| No. | Title | Duration | Writers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11. | "Take" | 3:12 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |
| 12. | "Full of Emptiness" | 2:55 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |
| 13. | "Better Days" (feat. Dorothy) | 3:46 | Lewis, Mushok, April, Giancarelli |