Finger Eleven
In the almost two and a half years it took to make their third album, Canadian rage rockers Finger Eleven have undergone a radical transition. Gone are the overwrought guitars, gratuitous venting, and nu-metal posturing that marked their early work. In their place are some tightly constructed melodies and emotionally articulate lyrics weaved into a coherent song cycle that documents the disintegration of a relationship. This isn't to say the one-time headbangers have gone soft because they're writing love songs and featuring gorgeous acoustic guitar work. There are some bonecrushers among the 11 songs here, but the sturdy rockers are less prosaic than the band's earlier efforts, and it's clear that they have paid more attention to song structure and dynamics, although Scott Anderson's staccato delivery can give you whiplash.--Jaan Uhelszki