Shinedown
– Amaryllis
With Amaryllis, Shinedown took the larger-than-life energy of The Sound of Madness and pushed it even further—bigger choruses, grander production, and a clear sense that they were writing songs built for arenas. This is where they fully embraced their status as one of rock’s heavyweights, crafting an album that swings between explosive aggression and emotional catharsis without hesitation. The hooks are undeniable, Brent Smith’s vocals are as powerful as ever, and the whole thing feels like a band hell-bent on proving they belong at the top.
What sets Amaryllis apart is how polished yet deeply personal it feels. Tracks like Bully hit with pure intensity, tackling self-empowerment with a driving rhythm section and a shout-along chorus. Meanwhile, I’ll Follow You and Through the Ghost showcase the band’s softer side without sacrificing emotional weight. The album thrives on contrast—booming anthems one moment, introspective ballads the next—but never loses momentum.
This is Shinedown at their most theatrical, pouring everything into an album that feels built to be belted out in front of thousands. Some might argue it leans a little too hard into the polish, but there’s no denying the sheer impact of its biggest moments.
Choice Tracks
Bully
A pounding, defiant anthem with a message of strength. The riff punches, the chorus demands attention, and Smith sounds like he’s ready for a fight.
Amaryllis
The title track is one of the album’s most emotionally charged moments. Sweeping, grand, and deeply personal, it’s the kind of song that builds and builds until it completely takes over.
Unity
Built for fists in the air. The soaring chorus and uplifting lyrics make this one of Shinedown’s most outright anthemic songs.
I’ll Follow You
A power ballad that actually earns its weight. Smith’s voice soars, the strings swell, and by the time the song reaches its peak, it’s impossible not to feel something.
Enemies
One of the album’s heaviest tracks, dripping with attitude. The gang vocals in the chorus practically beg to be shouted at full volume.
Through the Ghost
A haunting closer that strips away the bombast and lets the emotion sink in. Moody, reflective, and a perfect way to bring the album full circle.
Amaryllis is Shinedown doubling down on everything that makes them who they are—big, emotional, and unafraid to aim for the rafters. Some moments shine brighter than others, but when it hits, it hits hard.