Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Sully Erna has created perfection.

sully erna avalon Pictures, Images and Photos

So I was at Borders in Sacramento over the weekend at the Kat Von D book signing and drool-fest. It was a pretty cool experience though Sac had one of the hottest November days in ages; which sucked. About the third hour I was finally in the store and weaving through the various aisles as the line made it's way to the tattoo master.

While I passed through the CD's I had the idea to check through the letter F for Firewind's "Allegiance": no luck. What I did see however took me by surprise. I had no idea Godsmack front-man Sully Erna put out a solo album.



Being that as of late, no matter how much I love Godsmack, their last few works have been less than stellar releases. I haven't heard "The Oracle" yet aside from a few singles but I gathered from reviews I've read about it that it wasn't that good. I did see the other day that you can buy it on amazon for less than five bucks so that was pretty telling.

To support them I did buy the 4.99 album and downloaded it last night though I haven't heard it yet. Reason being is that I was playing the iTunes samples for Sully's solo work Avalon over and over and looking around for the best price for the CD. I want to support these bands I love but I'm not made of money.

(Hindsight being 20/20 I think I would have paid any price to own this work of art.)

So I see that amazon is selling it for about nine dollars which is perfect because I wanted the physical copy. I've been listening to his CD, Avalon all day today and I'm totally loving it. It's not a complete departure from Godsmack's previous recordings when, for the most part the album is very similar to their songs "Serenity", "Voodoo", and "Hollow". If you enjoyed those tracks you're going to love these songs.

What makes this album different is the talent he chooses to surround himself with. Various instrumentalist and vocalist he utilizes here add to the already colorful palette he crafts these song with. They all just add another dimension to an ready incredible musician. The album include Lisa Guyer on vocals, classically trained Cellist Irina Chirkova of Bulgaria, and from Ireland, percussionist Niall Gregory of Dead Can Dance, Chris Lester and Tim Therriault.

Sully, also, definitely caters to the Pagan in me with the lyrics he uses and the primordial drum beats that run in sync with the beating of the warrior spirits that dwell within our essence. He runs the gambit of all that he is with these beautifully crafted songs: warrior, father, lover, God, son. You connect with all those intricate layers he's woven within the folds of his songs and I want nothing else than to run home, grab my Djembe and join in the drumming circle he's instigated. Something that seriously tripped me out was in reading on his website the lyrics for these songs, the first track "Avalon" was co-written by Laurie Cabot (one of the most famous modern day witch)

I haven't heard one song I dislike, I haven't heard one second of this amazingly gorgeous record that I would change. It's perfect. The only thing that bothers me about it is that I had no idea it was out. It's not getting any radio play as far ad I can tell, no advertising I have seen anywhere and that's just sad. Anyone and everyone who loves music, sublime musicianship and elegantly crafted lyrics and primitive rhythms pulsating through your veins - this album is for you.

So go on: grab your drums, get your smudge Wands, dance under the light of the moon and revel in the awesomeness of this music. But don't let your faith, or even lack of faith stop you from getting this little plastic disc of audible ecstasy - this music is for anyone who loves pure and perfectly crafted music. Do yourself a favor and don't let this one pass you by.

Hail Avalon indeed.

10 out of 10.

Here's iTunes!

Here's Amazon (Where I got mine)

Buy This CD!!!!!

Here's "The Making of Avalon"... enjoy:


Here is the song The Rise (Track 6). Most of the vocals are NOT Sully but it's still powerful.


Here's "Sinner's Prayer":


17 comments:

Rob Liz said...

Start reading Blabbermouth more often at a bare minimum and you'll know when these things come out.

Anonymous said...

Umm, is serious or not? I can't tell

scott said...

The problem I find with Sully is that even his solo work all sounds the same. Bland, boring and cumbersome. His solo work can easily be background sound but not nearly interesting enough for multiple listens.

Draeden said...

Rob: Why should I start reading Blabbermouth when I get all I need to know from you! :)

Anon: eh?

Scott: Maybe it's just me. I hear all the layers and tiny nuances that make each song individual and amazing. It was easy for me to relate to Avalon, but I suppose not everyone will feel as strongly. Either way, I feel like it's some of the best work he's ever put out, solo or with Godsmack.

Rob Liz said...

I think anonymous is asking you if you're serious about your bold statement in the post title. Or the article for that matter.

Rob Liz said...

Also, I knew about this solo album a long time ago. That tells me that you should check the news sites because I'm not always forthcoming about things like this:P

Draeden said...

Oh, I'm more than serious..

Anonymous said...

I have to agree, this CD is great, but I do have friends that think I bumped my head also. So that's fine, everyone is entitled to an opinion. Mine just happens to be 2 big thumbs up to Sully.

Anonymous said...

I'm surprised you didn't know about Sully's solo CD... if you're a fan of Godsmack, then you would have heard Sully promote this CD - especially on Facebook & Godsmack's website. I agree with your review 100% - perfection! This CD may not be for everyone but it is unique and I love every second of it!

Anonymous said...

Total amazing awesomeness!!!

Draeden said...

Well it's good to know that at least some people really likes music I love.. most of the time I'm raked across the coals.. :)

Unknown said...

What are you talking about that Godsmack's last few albums have been less then stellar?? You really need to listen to The Oracle, it is awesome!! Listen to it daily. Avalon is absolutely beautiful!!

Rob Liz said...

Thanks for writing in Candace. I think I can interject about the less then stellar comment. As people that have been listening to Godsmack since the first album there is a sense of fatigue and boredom that is associated with a band that hasn't grown or deviated much from their formula in over 10 years. In the case of Godsmack by the time the Oracle has come out when you've heard one Godsmack album you've heard them all. I'm glad you enjoy it but some of us have really moved on.

Scott said...

There is way to much better music out there to listen to than even give Godsmack any more attention.

Draeden said...

I agree, Scott BUT... I'm talking about this one particular CD and I truly feel it's not one to pass on.. I wanted to make sure everyone knew about it.. As far as the Godsmack comment goes, Rob hit the nail on the head.. I LOVE Godsmack and will always buy their CD's and support them, BUT, I have to admit that the last few have been following the GS status quo.. I'd really like to hear something new from them..

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Scott said...

I understand, Draeden. I started to listen to this album, but as I said, every song seemed to sound like the last to me. It makes for nice background music though.

Oh and I hate it when I make 3rd grade mistakes like this:
"There is way to (too) much better music"