ALBUM REVIEW The Power of EI8HT: SHINEDOWN Continues It's Reign Over Modern Rock

By: Tracy Heck

Released on Friday, May 29th , Shinedown's eighth studio album, which is aptly named EI8HT, is
their most ambitious to date.

The album, which was largely produced by bassist Eric Bass, features an eclectic mix of hard
rock staples alongside stirring rock ballads, a hint of industrial and even some country flavor.

While their last two albums, 2018’s Attention Attention and 2022’s Planet Zero, were concept-
driven with a hard rock edge, EI8HT is more multifaceted with a lighter edge and a wide range
of sounds that holds a little something for everyone.

The record is the band's first to feature steel guitar, banjo and fiddle and continues the long
tradition of emotional, personal lyrics from primary writer and vocalist Brent Smith.

Shinedown opens the album with piano keys and the theatrical “At the Bottom,” with Smith
urging listeners to, “Please watch your step and don’t mind the mess…”

It’s an ample warning to what lies ahead as the band switches courses from track-to-track, taking
listeners on a wild ride.

Old-school fans will love high-energy tracks “Safe and Sound,” “Killing Fields” and “Machine
Gun”, which features furious drum work from drummer Barry Kerch.

Rock ballad “Three Six Five” has been blowing up the charts for months as the album’s first
single release.

Those looking for something to groove to will enjoy “Dance, Kid, Dance,” “Young Again,”
“Burning Down the Disco” and “Dizzy.”

Smith and guitarist Zach Myers dip into their Southern roots on the country-infused
“Searchlight” and surprise with the gothic synth-influenced track “Deep End.”

Shinedown closes the album with the touching acoustic track “The Pilot,” which impresses with
a beautiful array of violin, bass, cello and viola.
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Overall, EI8HT is a brilliant example of what a rock band can be when they are willing to take
chances and broaden their sound.