New York, NY - Multi-platinum, double Grammy-nominated rockers, GODSMACK, are set to release their third album on Republic/Universal Records. The CD, entitled FACELESS, was produced by David Bottrill (Tool) and will hit stores on 4/8/03.
FACELESS is a departure for the Boston-based four-piece who now welcome new member, Shannon Larkin on the drums. Not only is there an awe-inspiring injection of raw energy from Larkin's admittance into the GODSMACK fold, but vocalist, Sully Erna also took this opportunity to test his vocal range throughout the disc. More melody in music and vocals, deeper subject matter and extraordinarily potent guitar solos from Tony Rombola punctuate an evolution that the band stress is not due to any outside influence. The writing and recording process, according to Erna, was a self-contained one in which the band holed up in a rented home in Miami, FL and wrote without distraction or influence from the rock music scene going on around them.
The album name, according to bassist Robbie Merrill, came from the band's feeling that, despite their amazing radio and sales success, they still flew a bit 'under the radar.' Their upcoming album is sure to thrust the band into the spotlight on the strength of its material, the brand new songs and one familiar favorite. The double Grammy Nominated track, "I Stand Alone" is joined by FACELESS' first official single, "Straight Out Of Line." The video for this hit track ("Straight Out Of Line") was made by Dean Karr, who previously worked with the band on their "Voodoo" video. It is performance-based and was filmed in Los Angeles, CA in late January 2003.
Active, Mainstream and Modern Rock radio took "Straight Out Of Line" to their hearts - and playlists apparently, as the Active Rock panel was unanimous in their support of the track and Mainstream and Modern panels are 80% closed - upon its January 27th add date. The song was #1 most-added at all formats and charted at in the Top 10 at Active and Mainstream Rock and Top 30 at Modern Rock.
"Huge phones out of the box, another stellar track from Godsmack!"
- Jave Patterson/PD KDOT (Reno, NV)
"It's Godsmack at it's finest and loudest - great to hear a band know what makes them great and be able to keep their sound true for their fans."
- Abbie Webber/PD WKRL (Syracuse, NY)
Other shining tracks are "Serenity" (the record's answer to their 'tribal' hit, "Voodoo"), "Changes" (a band favorite, with a introspective lyric and complex melody), "I Am" (a powerful exchange between the addiction and the addicted) and the title track "Faceless" (a track that charges at you with a guitar punch right between the eyes). Every track is a source of pride for the band, who feel there is something for every GODSMACK fan on FACELESS.
The band's fans are more vocal than ever in support of FACELESS, with the resurfacing of Voodoo Tribe. Voodoo Tribe, the official Godsmack fan community, brings fans together and provides members with advance access to Godsmack concert tickets, insider news, special audio and video before the general public as well as with exclusive backstage experiences. Exclusive, members-only events this year have brought Tribe members face-to-face with the band to interview them about FACELESS, catch a recording of 3 songs for Sessions@AOL, join in a video shoot in Los Angeles, and experience the band's live show New Year's Eve 2002-2003 in Orlando, FL.