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Scott Stapp has been open about his struggles with mental health throughout his career. Battling depression, addiction, and other personal challenges, the Grammy-winning musician has faced his demons with courage and resilience. Through his music and advocacy, Stapp has become an inspiring voice for mental health awareness, sharing his own experiences to offer hope and support to others facing similar struggles.
Despite the challenges he’s encountered, Scott Stapp continues to persevere, using his platform to shed light on the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness.
In Stapp’s latest album, “Higher Power”, releasing Friday, March 15th via Napalm Records, this strength and resilience rings through and pierces the deepest recesses of your mind and heart. What Stapp has faced over the years has reached a boiling point, and it’s clear the singer is ready to face these demons and close this chapter once and for all.
If there was any doubt about Scott Stapp’s battle with his inner demons, the first single and title track “Higher Power” not only makes it abundantly clear, but also shows the path he’s willing to take to bring them down once and for all. With poignant lyrics like “Forty feet down falling head first off the edge…”, he vividly recalls a pivotal moment from 2006 when he nearly lost his life. In his latest album, Stapp fearlessly confronts these demons head-on, resulting in what might be his darkest, yet most powerful, impactful, and personal work to date.
In this album, Stapp showcases a diverse range of musical styles, incorporating some of his most intense and introspective material to date. From soul-searching ballads to adrenaline-fueled riffs and stadium-ready anthems, the album encompasses a wide spectrum of sound. Stapp’s iconic vocals add an unmistakable intensity to each track, infusing them with a newfound grit and energy. With what seems to be a fearless determination, Stapp charges forward, delivering his most powerful and dynamic work yet.
As the album unfolds, tracks such as “Deadman’s Trigger” and “When Love Is Not Enough” begin tochip away at the trials of inner demons and struggles, offering musical passages that sweep you away. Stapp’s emotive vocal delivery chills, while each emotion is captured in the moment.
Yiannis Papadopoulos, the esteemed Greek guitarist known for his virtuosic skill, lends his talents to elevate several tracks on the album. His intricate and emotive guitar work adds depth and texture to songs like the southern-tinged “Dancing in the Rain” and “Quicksand,” infusing them with a richness that enhances the overall sonic experience. Additionally, on the introspective “What I Deserve,” Papadopoulos’s playing resonates with poignant emotion, perfectly complementing the introspective nature of the song. His contributions showcase his versatility and mastery of the instrument, enhancing the impact of these tracks and enriching the listener’s journey.
Crafting “If These Walls Could Talk” was undoubtedly a challenging endeavor, given its profound emotional depth. This strikingly beautiful track, featuring Dorothy Martin, showcases the remarkable vocal harmonies of Stapp and Martin. Together, they deliver a stirring performance that resonates deeply, taking listeners on an evocative journey filled with poignant melodies and heartfelt lyrics. The duo can heard painfully stirring “Had to live, had to learn, had to burn it all down. I had to get lost to get found.” Their collaboration evokes a range of emotions, compelling listeners to experience a captivating emotional roller coaster from start to finish.
“Black Butterfly” ignites with its relentless onslaught of hard-hitting, anthemic riffs that demand a stadium-worthy performance. Each chord reverberates with raw energy, driving home the intensity of Stapp’s message. It’s a song that commands attention, with its powerful rhythms and soaring vocals propelling listeners on a sonic journey of empowerment and liberation.
As the album draws to a close, “You’re Not Alone” and “Weight of the World” offer a poignant yet resoundingly powerful conclusion. These tracks radiate with a sense of solace and hope, their melodies weaving a tapestry of emotional depth. With each note, Stapp delivers a message of reassurance and solidarity, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their struggles. Meanwhile, the intricate guitar leads and textures add an extra dimension to the tracks, enriching the overall sonic landscape and deepening the emotional impact. Together, these songs serve as a fitting finale to an album that has taken listeners on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
With a newfound strength and courage, rises above his past struggles, no longer standing alone or afraid. In this potent, dark, and deeply personal work, he navigates through the depths of his emotions with unwavering resolve. Each track serves as a testament to his resilience, showcasing his journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Verdict: 4/5
Ethereal Metal 
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