Candlebox never found a true place among the pantheon of '90s bands. Unfairly lumped in with the grunge crowd (maybe because they are from Seattle), they eventually vanished after being shunned for their hard blues and classic rock approach.
Ten years after their last release, Candlebox returns with three of its four founding members in tow on "Into the Sun."
Fans of the band's smash hits like "You" and "Far Behind" -- which remain in heavy rotation on rock radio -- are again likely to be enthralled with Kevin Martin's soaring vocals and Peter Klett's chugging riffs and melodic psychedelia-infused leads.
They show they mean business with aggressive riffs and thunderous drums on "Stand" and "How Does it Feel," offer the funky rock of " ... Brewin" and add a touch of trippy blues to "Surrendering" and the title track.
"Miss You" is a melodic rocker with a crisp acoustic touch, "A Kiss Before Dying" soars high on Martin's wailing and disc closer "Consider Us" offers some surprising piano balladry.
Fans of '90s rock are sure to dig "Into the Sun" for the fun stroll down memory lane that it is -- unfortunately most everyone else probably won't even notice.
CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: The organ-driven ballad "Breathe Me In" offers a dreamy intro and slowly builds to a fist-pumping climax.