It has only been a few weeks since Sevendust were in the UK supporting Alter Bridge on their February arena tour. Their 15th album follows that and precedes a winter return where they will headline smaller venues, but to no doubt similar levels of devotion.
Sevendust – One
Release Date: 1 May 2026
Words: Paul Hutchings
I cannot say I am a keen follower of the band or their music. They flirted with me in the noughties, partly due to their inclusion on a WWE compilation album that my son used to play to death. So it is with fresh ears that I approach One, the latest release from the Grammy Award nominees.
The line-up remains steady. This is an outfit that has not really changed since their inception, apart from a small break for guitarist Clint Lowrey.
Since 2008, there has been rock-solid stability in the camp, which is a factor in their impressive output. Alongside Lowrey, the rest of the band remains the well-oiled machine comprising Lajon Witherspoon (vocals), John Connolly (guitar), Vince Hornsby (bass), and Morgan Rose (drums).
One is described as a continuation of their unmistakable sound, and I can see why this is the case. They have the big low-end to their songs, which provides ample heft, the dual guitars have teeth and cascade some massive riffs, whilst their sound blends elements of grunge, Nu-Metal and a more radio-friendly Modern Metal approach.
It is no wonder they toured with Alter Bridge, for tracks like One and Unbreakable are earworms that fit neatly into that arena-sized world.
One might be their 15th album, but you do wonder why, with a sound that straddles the new wave of classic rock genre perfectly, they have not got more airplay on the likes of Planet Rock. It is certainly a style that would draw attention.
Is This the Real You, with its rich melody and harmonies alongside an instantly memorable riff, is made for sing-alongs in cavernous halls, and you can add We Run to the list. Another track drenched in melody, with a hook that you simply cannot avoid.
For me, this style is a little too generic and sits with my lens on the likes of Halestorm, Shinedown, Godsmack, and hundreds of others. Fine songwriters, but all a little bit beige for my tastes. But regardless of my view, there is no doubting that Sevendust can write a tune, and sometimes, big, radio-friendly rock is welcome on the menu.
The thumping stutter of Construct with its pounding bass sounds huge.
Part of the setup that makes Sevendust a big attraction is the vocal prowess of Witherspoon. His voice is rich, smooth and powerful. He can do the big noise, as well as the more sensitive approach. Bright Side, which is a semi-ballad with a large riff to power it along, is a fine example of his quality delivery, even if the song itself is a little bland.
One sprawls over ten tracks in total. It is not a hugely long album, and it does pop along with a spring in its step. As I have already said, the music is crying out for big venues due to the anthemic nature of the writing.
Penultimate song Blood Price covers all bases, big and brash yet also perfectly crafted and cultured with a big breakdown and the most aggressive roars of the entire album. It contrasts with the closer, Misdirection is almost pop by comparison, despite a crunching riff and swirling tempo as it slowly moves to an impressive finale.
For those who are longtime fans of the band, I would imagine One is not going to let you down. For those new to the band, it is either going to pull you in or bounce right off you.
I admit to enjoying it whilst listening to it, mainly because of Witherspoon’s vocals. But it is not one that will remain on the playlist for long, although I am looking forward to hearing on that tour later this year.
Sevendust release their 15th studio album, ONE, on 1 May 2026 via Napalm Records. Pre-orders are available from lnk.to/Sevendust-One. For all upcoming tour dates, ticket information, and VIP packages, visit sevendust.com/pages/tour.
