When we think of the great heavy metal albums of all time the typical names often come up: Metallica’s ‘Ride the Lightning,’ Megadeth’s ‘Rust in Peace,’ White Zombie’s ‘Astro Creep’ and Guns ‘N Roses’ ‘Appetite for Destruction.’ But those albums, as great as they are, just skim the top of the world of heavy music. There’s many bands who deserve a prominent spot at the table. On a massive level. And Living Colour are one of those bands. And their third album ‘Stain,’ is the best example of why.
Living Colour were actually poised to become one of the biggest bands of the 90’s. The two albums that lead up to ‘Stain:’ ‘Vivd’ and ‘Time’s Up’, were both multi platinum hits that garnered Grammy nominations and wins. But after the L.A. riots, Living Colour were naturally in the mood to do a darker album. With new bassist Doug Wimbish on board they got to work on what’s easily one of the most bad ass heavy albums of all time. A straight down, no weak track slammer. Loaded with purpose and passion. Not to mention an insane amount of technical ability. When it was complete, ‘Stain’ was released on March 2, 1993.
Initially some fans and critics didn’t know what to make of the darker direction. Right from the get go with the opening track ‘Go Away.’ The album instantly establishes itself. The heavy phat ass track brings in even more introspective social lyrics than previous albums. And it also contains one of the greatest guitar solos to ever be put down on record. ‘Ignorance Is Bliss’ and ‘Leave it Alone’ are one of the strongest one, two punches in all of hard rock and heavy metal. Catchy, funky riffage with back beat drumming and massive bass. It just doesn’t get better. ‘Bi’ centers on sexual fluidity while also staying fun and unpretentious. Then another highlight hits your ears with ‘Mind Your Own Business.’ What an intro. Just a slammin’ guitar solo mixed with Black Sabbath style heaviness, soul, blues and punk.
‘Everything That You Got’ is a pre- nu metal masterpiece. Followed by the incredibly groovy ‘Be Satisfied.’ I mean, this album really never lets up. The only time is the interlude ‘H.E.M.P.’ which really brings in an alternative feel to the album. The William Calhoun penned ‘Nothingness’ is a beautiful ballad with some really hair raising textures. ‘Nobody Knows’ takes a traditional piece and turns into another proto nu metal track. You can easily hear the influence Living Colour would have on bands like Korn, Disturbed and Linkin Park. ‘The Mix’ is a quick interlude before going into the smash down ‘This Little Pig.’ A track which that has so much passionate clarity, it just might be Living Colour at their absolute most inspired. The album closes with the signature ‘Wall.’ Which is without question one of the most underrated songs ever. It has so much going for it. Prominent lyrical subject material. Coupled with infectious rhythms and guitar chord textures. Add an earworm, anthemic chorus and you’ve got a masterpiece.
When ‘Stain’ dropped, its darker sound was met with a little animosity. However, for some, it was the album that solidified Living Colour as one of the best bands in existence. Unfortunately, the album didn’t perform as planned. Despite it still cracking the top 20. The album should have been a number one smash, there’s no question in my mind. ‘Stain’ still remains their finest hour. A perfect album from top to bottom. Crank it, rock it!
