For those not in the know, Grey Daze is not a new band. It was Chester Bennington’s band before Linkin Park.The Phoenix (Loma Vista Recordings) is a re-imaging of songs of unreleased material Chester and Grey Daze intended to released, including his bandmates and friends such as Sean Dowdell, Mace Beyers, and Cristian Davis with help from Dave Navarro, Richard Patrick, and Bennington’s children. Bennington himself wanted to release the music before he died, bringing it to a wider audience. The band did just that using Bennington’s original vocals.

Knowing this augments the feel that Grey Daze is classic college radio music. Everything about The Phoenix is perfect for the collegiate demographic. The Phoenix is angsty, bombastic, and is so very much Chester Bennington. At this point, Mr. Bennington has his own genre as he did what he did very well. His style is instantly recognizable. Listening to The Phoenix, the brain goes, “I’ve heard this …” “This sounds like…”. There is pathos and a bit of sadness and forlornness in the music. Grey Daze is the best of the alternative or alt rock scene with some very nu-metal moments. Every track on The Phoenix is so very good and deserves to be heard by the current collegiate scene, longtime fans of Bennington and Lincoln Park, and newbies alike.

The songs are full of some amazing guitar work, the solos are perfect. The drumming is supportive and grounding. What can one say about the vocals? Pristine. Smooth. The compositions reach into your chest and wring your heart out, leaving you short of breath. Songs like ‘Believe Me’ stir emotions. There is also a strong cover of ‘Anything, Anything’ by Dramarama. Grey Daze’s The Phoenix does not disappoint. It’s a heartfelt album that will be enjoyed by many.

Buy the album here: https://found.ee/GD_ThePhoenix

 

7 / 10

VICTORIA ANDERSON