Atlanta, Georgia metal legends Sevendust have released their latest full-length offering, Truth Killer, on Friday (28th) via their new label home, Napalm Records (order here). Their first album in three years since 2020’s Blood & Stone showcases the change deep within everyone since their own experience with the COVID-19 pandemic. A time for reflection, personal evolution, and more, which also gives more time to write and bring out songs such as “Leave Hell Behind” and “Sick Mouth.” It’s overall another solid effort from these giants, as they’ve consecutively haven’t failed us since their 1997 self-titled debut offering. We were lucky to catch up with guitarist Clint Lowery to discuss the record and see how they’ve evolved throughout their successful career.
Truth Killer marks the next chapter for Sevendust, especially signing with Napalm Records. How has the experience with this transition been so far?
Honestly, it is no different than past few releases so far. The roll out has been a little different, but nothing crazy. We have been through this process so many times, it’s just cool to still be releasing music. It’s a relationship with the fans. I’m not too interested in the dynamics of the label in the process of a new record. They do what’s best for them and we do what’s best for us. It’s business. The connection is with the fans.
How would you compare the new album to 2020’s Blood & Stone?
I would say it’s a bit more intentional. I’m proud of Blood and Stone, there are some cool songs, but personally I sunk a lot of time and energy writing for this one. I sacrificed a lot of time with my family constructing ideas. Twelve songs make it, but one-hundred written over a two-year period. The new record is a focused one. No filler allowed.
What songs were more challenging to write?
Some of the heavier ones like ‘Truth Killer’ and ‘No Revolution.’ Heavier songs for me are always the songs I second guess the most. Trying to keep the integrity of the band, but not trying to be something we aren’t. There’s a sound and vision I’ve been chasing for a decade and feel like we got close to that over the last three records.
Can you talk about the songs “Won’t Stop The Bleeding” and “Superficial Drug?
‘Won’t Stop The Bleeding’ musically started in a hotel room after Morgan wrote a beat. It’s a straight Sevendust groove song about letting someone crash and burn if they want. ‘Superficial Drug’ was intentionally commercial sounding to support the meaning which is based on people chasing social media praise, comments, likes, follows. But lyrically it’s framed like a relationship gone bad. But we can all be guilty of chasing attention.
This year marks ten years since 2013’s Black Out The Sun and 20 years since Seasons, and now with a new era of Truth Killer, how would you describe the overall evolution of Sevendust since the fourth record?
Hopefully, an evolution is exactly what we are in. Not sure how much longer I’ll be doing this, but for the years I do have left, I want to make real music that we as a band are proud of and people find joy in. Naturally we like different things now than we did years ago, but I still feel like a lot of these songs from then and now could exist on the same records. Production changes yes, but the core of what we are hasn’t completely changed. Just updated.
From memorable New Year’s Eve shows, cruises, and an acoustic tour, Sevendust has definitely proven to be one unstoppable and a beloved act in the metal scene. With that being said, is there something that you guys haven’t done yet that you’d like to do?
We have been blessed to do many things we never thought we would. I would of liked to get to a level where we played arenas, headlined festivals, and had a number one songs. We have always sat in the middle of the success ladder but to me that has kept us humble, hungry and honestly kept us here longer. There’s always hope to achieve a higher status, but longevity we have mastered.
Speaking of memorable and nostalgic, this fall you have a tour with Static-X and Dope. How did this planning come together and what should fans expect from this particular trek?
We go back with that camp, we have known Edsel for years. Tony from Static is a great guy. It’s one of those things that made sense for both bands. The set list for us will be heavier than usual and production for both bands will be large.
Is there anything else you’d like to say or add about the new album?
Get it, listen to it. Share it if you like it. We love you.
