My friends, life is not an endless carousel, we all have to alight at some point. Our brother, Chester Bennington, sadly left us with our heads held in our hands, confused and frightened. His music lives on, and here I have the new album from his old band Grey Daze, the songs were co-written by Chester and his input is an opportunity for us to learn about his early days in the music business. He was the voice of a generation, rallying the crowds in huge arenas around the world, million selling albums and a loyal and fervent fanbase. With Grey Daze we get to see the man before all the adulation, we see the trajectory, we see where the thought process evolved from. This soulful and painful collection of songs are straight from the heart of the band to your heart, a mutual understanding and realisation that we are one, we can get on together. Right from the opening track there is an urge to ‘feed my sin, come and kill me’ there is an awareness that our lives remain unfulfilled, there is an emptiness and a void that requires nourishing. The arrangements flutter from emotive vocals, fluctuating from gentle zephyr like tones to the full and mighty thrust of Rock, guitars and keyboards have a swiftness and an energy that belies the hurt, the line ‘there’s so much locked up inside’ reflects this situation. Also taken from ‘What’s In The Eye’ is the chilling ‘don’t go, don’t you go’ which signifies a pleading, a realisation that something is wrong. A huge slice of electronica in ‘B12’ gives us a song written when Chester was 12 years old and with the lyric ‘Ku Klux Klan makes a plan, to destroy the black man’ this shows a mature head on such young shoulders. He was destined to become a great songwriter. My favourite chorus and probably lyric too can be found in ‘Morei Sky’ and the words ‘I’ve lived through things I cannot say’ it exacerbates the sorrow; it numbs any feeling of recovery. The album title is also here ‘ if I had a second chance, I would make amends’, it offers a glimmer of hope, but also an air of restraint because human nature is fragile, shaky and prone to misunderstandings and confusion. There is a heavier burst of music in ‘She Shines’ quite passionate and assertive, maybe channelling the defeat of a love unrequited. Emotions thrash and crash around madly as you face your fears and anxieties whether you want to or not.
What is evident here is the huge burden they carried from a young age, these songs are testament to a band that lived, then lost and are now ready to live again. The music leaves you drained, weary and a little teary. The whys, wherefores and what ifs come into play, as we relive our memories and create new ones with Grey Daze.
Lay down your arms my friends, it’s time to make amends.
Grey Daze – Amends
Re: Amends
I am 65 years young and have been a fan of anything Chester Bennington since his early beginnings. He was a very talented, sweet yet troubled young man. My heart breaks for his family, and friends, yet they are all so fortunate to have known him personally. Thank You Grey Daze for releasing this brilliantly recreated album. It brought a tear, but it also gives me great joy, to be able to listen, to that beautiful voice once again.