On Animosity, Sevendust sticks to a workmanlike alternative industrial metal formula of mind-numbing aggression propelled by rapid-fire pentatonic riffs, growling lower-register bass rumblings, and polyrhythmic drum patterns intermixed with electronic samples. That they're often praised for their sense of melody just goes to show how far quality songcraft has vanished from hard rock. Sure, there are a few hummable lines in "Crucified" and "Shine," but the majority of this album is a dour angst feast of sonic proportions. "Angel's Son" is the most listenable cut, thanks to a series of open-tuning guitar patterns, sustained arpeggios, and interesting counterpoint harmonies via orchestral string arrangements that allow a little light to shine through the dark lyrics. Though Sevendust is among the top-selling bands in this genre, the album lacks creativity or spontaneity, which says a lot about the state of hard rock in 2001. [Animosity was also released in a "clean" edition, containing no profanities or vulgarities.] ~ Tom Semioli