SEVENDUST IS TRUTH. It is unspoken and understood by the fans. For over ten years the most powerful element of the band is the hard leveling quality of honesty. More than the brutal riffs and crushing authority of the band’s live shows. More than the innovative sound that merged within the evolving music scene in which Sevendust skillfully bonded thrash with the clarity of melodic vocals and choruses. Beyond this there exists the relevance of lyrics which explored life on an emotional plane and the relentless touring, the proving ground where Sevendust connected with people. The blood, sweat and tears are as important to the legacy of the band as its catalogue of heavy music.

There was no scene in Atlanta when Sevendust started playing music. It was a scattershot community of varying styles which brought the members together with a common goal: destroy the music scene. Morgan Rose brought the members together from other bands with the intent of fusing their various styles to satisfy each individual while creating something unique. By fusing heavy riffs with the soulful vocals of singer Lajon Witherspoon and pitting the fast and funky rhythm section against this, Sevendust stood out as being originals in a stagnant sea of grunge and thrash. Here was music that had feeling and strength.

From its debut on TVT in 1997 Sevendust leapt forward into the mainstream with its self-titled debut. The songs “Black,” “Bitch” and “Too Close To Hate” became instant hits with metal fans; granted, the fact that the band had a black singer was an attention-getter, but it soon became irrelevant in light of Sevendust’s excellent songs.

Following a summer on Ozzfest the band released “Home” in 1999 which yielded the band its second Gold Record and the hits “Denial,” “Rumblefish,” “Waffle” and “Bender.” The strength of “Denial” and the subtlety of the chorus impacted at radio but resonated among rock fans who embraced the song. With the world on the cusp of a new millennium and the internet changing the way people lived, the almost Biblical screed of the song imbued Sevendust with a greater depth and understanding of humanity than a metal band might aspire to.

”Denial seems it had to come Relied on me to say it all Denial has left you all alone”

The band then did what it does best and hit the road for two years.

In 2001 Sevendust finished recording “Animosity” which was released at the end of the year. “Praise,” “Angel’s Son” and “Follow” (which features Aaron Lewis of Stain’D sharing vocals with Witherspoon). Another Gold Record in the bag, the band hit the road through the next year. Tragedy would strike in the midst of the tour on November 9th, 2002 during a performance in St. Joseph, Minnesota. Witherspoon learned that his younger brother had been shot and killed. Encouraged by his father, who informed him via telephone, Lajon took the stage in tears, determined to honor his commitment to the fans and finish the show. In what was perhaps the most moving, melancholy testament to the integrity of the band, reports of the evening’s event flooded internet websites testifying that the audience was effusive and cheered on the singer, notably on Angel’s Son:

Life is changing I can't go on without you Rearranging. I will be strong I'll stand by you

You were fighting everyday So hard to hide the pain I know you never said goodbye I had so much left to say

One last song Given to an Angel's Son As soon as you were gone

Sevendust would regroup and finish touring and head back into the studio. They returned in 2003 with “Seasons” and racked up another Gold Record. “Enemy” and “Face to Face” Later that year, Sevendust performed a special acoustic-only tour which was recorded for the album “Southside Double-Wide.”

2005 started a new chapter for Sevendust with the release of their latest studio album “Next,” an uncompromising disc that showcases the band revisiting their roots. The 11-song collection finds Sevendust at the peak of their career, foretelling great things for the future.

The final chapter in the book of Sevendust has yet to be written. What remains is the legacy of its tenure with TVT Records and “Best of” captures the arc of Sevendust from the period when they first brought the truth to the fans. The truth, the power and the glory of the halcyon days of an explosion of creativity forging new ground and paving the way for a host of new bands who would look to Sevendust for inspiration. For its fan-base, Sevendust continues to deliver a legacy of truth: aggressive and emotionally charged music that is as passionate now as when they began.