Shinedown’s debut album Leave a Whisper was released in July 2003, immediately introducing the band’s melodic rock sensibilities to a large audience. Featuring the singles “Fly from the Inside,” “Burning Bright,” and “45,” the album charted at No. 53 on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified platinum. Following the release, the band embarked on an extensive touring schedule, which lasted until the end of 2004.
Shinedown’s sophomore album Us and Them arrived in October 2005, led by the No. 1 Active Rock Chart single “Save Me.” Subsequent singles included “Heroes” and “I Dare You,” the latter of which was used by the WWE in promotion of “WrestleMania 22.” In support of the record, the band toured on the 2006 SnoCore Tour alongside Seether and Flyleaf, as well as with Trapt on the Equinox tour.
Following Us and Them, Shinedown underwent considerable membership changes. The 2008 lineup consisted of Brent Smith, Barry Kersh, guitarists Nick Perri and Zach Meyers, and bassist Eric Bass.
The group’s third full-length release Sound of Madness appeared in July 2008, after which guitarist Nick Perri left the band. The album was produced by Rob Cavallo, known for his work with the Goo Goo Dolls and Green Day, and peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200. While it was led by the single “Devour,” the subsequent Billboard Top 10 single “Second Chance” proved a real breakthrough for the band, earning triple platinum certification.
The full-length Amaryllis followed in March 2012, charting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Marking Shinedown’s most successful release to date, the album earned strong reviews from critics and spawned the singles “Bully,” “Unity,” and “Enemies.”
In addition to playing incredible shows and releasing a steady supply of innovative music, Shinedown also continues to use their voice for good. Viewing fans as family, Shinedown’s artists leverage their fame to help support notable charities, give-back programs, and organizations dedicated to bringing awareness to inequalities. Organizations that Shinedown helps support through proceeds include Ecologi, the American Red Cross, ASPCA Animal Rescue, DC Strong, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Direct Relief, Backline, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Heal Autism Now.
The vast number of programs that Shinedown partners with showcases the band’s dedication to making the world a better place. From fighting climate change to improving access to healthcare for musicians, Shinedown is far more than just a group of performers. This is just one of the many reasons for the strong bond between Shinedown and their dedicated fan base.
Rising from the ashes of their former band Toxic Parents, Claudio Sanchez (lead vocals) and Travis Stevers (rhythm guitar) experimented with a host of genres influenced by the likes of: Led Zeppelin, Misfits, Pink Floyd, At The Drive-In and Iron Maiden. Originally known as Shabutie, the band released their debut EP “Plan to Take Over the World” in 1999 through Wisteria Records and followed later that year with “The Penelope EP”.
With the new millennia came new direction encapsulated in the release of their third EP “Delirium Trigger” (2000) with many of the tracks based on science fiction comic series Sanchez had been penning, initially known as “The Bag.On.Line Adventures” and later became “The Amory Wars”. It would be these works which would evoke a recurring theme which would inspire future material for the band starting with the name change to Coheed and Cambria after the two main characters.
Having signed with Equal Vision Records, the band went on to release their debut full length album “The Second Stage Turbine Blade” in 2002, taking its concept from the comic series. Later in the year the band connected with a man who take their career to unprecedented heights, Blaze James who would become their manager. Spending the next few years relentlessly touring playing alongside: Linkin Park, The Used, Slipknot, AFI and Trivium unleashed them into the public as they saw their fanbase known as Children of the Fence (another comic reference) increase tenfold.
It was the release of their second album “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3” in 2003 which really got the ball rolling. Certifying platinum in the US, it caught the attention of Columbia Records and in 2005 they signed a multi-album deal. Five top 10 albums later, line-up changes, a fine selection of festival appearances across the globe, Coheed and Cambria continue pushing genre divides while remaining true to the very essence of what they’ve created.
I have seen Shinedown in 7 different cities for 16 different shows since 2003. The shows have been at small bars and all the way up to large venues and stadiums.
The reason I have seen them this many times is because of the live show they give you, makes you want to come back for more. Every show is very energetic and very engaging. Their shows are great if you are on the front row or all the way at the back of the venue.
They will play any number of their hits, with the occasional cover or fan favorite that is not a single. Every song has its own build up and intro that keeps you wanting more.
Lead singer Brent Smith has an unbeatable stage presence and the voice to back it up.
In recent years, as their popularity has grown, their stages feature pyro and flames that you will only see with the biggest of acts. With all the distractions, don’t expect them to just stand there and play thinking that is enough. All of the band members will be moving all over the stage constantly engaging the crowd.
If you are going to be front at a show, Shinedown is definitely one of the best to be front at.
Enigmatic as they might appear, there is plenty to explore in Coheed and Cambria's eclectic catalog of albums with their multi-faceted and diverse delivery. Following a central sci-fi concept, the lyrics tell a broad and interesting story that is just as captivating as the incredible musicianship which exhibits a strong progressive-rock influence, yet can most certainly tone the complexity down at points in favor of more straight-forward rock anthems. The technicality blends so well with a fair amount of accessibility, which makes the best of both of those worlds. With a story so complex and seemingly neverending, Coheed and Cambria manage to suck you into their fictional world comfortably, easily, and very hastily. Their music shines in every aspect, demonstrating an ample amount of creativity that is well-balanced with technical proficiency. However, the fantasy that their lyrics depict is shown full-force with their live show, where you are one with this alternate universe. Everything fictional about their music feels so undeniably real in the presence of the four prog-rockers as they pummel you with an onslaught of flashy solos and riffs, complex drum patterns, and singer Claudio Sanchez's strong vocal delivery that hypnotizes an audience at their show even more than a listener of their albums. The atmosphere becomes so strong as they take hold of the stage and it becomes illuminated with their intense and fitting light show, which ends up becoming a part of the music itself. It goes beyond being a "rock show" and in turn becomes a beautiful and spectacular event.
Awesome live!
The group sounds great live...there's a ton of energy on stage with the group. It was my first time seeing FATN and I can't wait to see them again. Unfortunately like all opening acts the performance was too short for my liking but there's not much to be done about that.
Keep rocking guys!!
Please remember Wisconsin the future and stop back soon.
Ike