New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Grey Daze, the Phoenix-born, Chester Bennington-fronted band "that showed off the singer's ability to mine his personal pain and channel it directly into his songs" (Rolling Stone), have released their highly-anticipated album, Amends via Loma Vista Recordings/Universal Music.
Amends' release follows months of build-up for an album that serves as a tribute to the man "who was known for his piercing scream and free-flowing anguish"(New York Times) and "a human being with a huge heart and a caring soul" (Associated Press). The people surrounding the release, his
Grey Daze bandmates: Sean Dowdell, Mace Beyers, Cristin Davis, as well as Chester's family members: Talinda Bennington, his parents, Susan and Lee, and his son Jaime all participated in the curation and storytelling that served as both catharsis and the completion of a promise to see the 11-song album through to completion. They shared stories and insight into how Amends became a reality via a documentary (watch here), an eight-part, studio driven video series titled "Making Amends" (watch here), and a Dave Navarro (Inked Master, Jane's Addiction) hosted roundtable discussion (watch here) featuring Dowdell with Amends contributors Brian "Head" Welch (Korn), Chris Traynor (Bush/Helmet), LP and producer Esjay Jones.
"A gift for those who loved Chester, Amends is a lovingly-crafted tribute, adding a bittersweet chapter to his musical legacy that brings his past and present full circle." - All Music
"… modern without sacrificing Bennington's inherent adolescent grit" - Rolling Stone
"…provides some grunge-laced light in an otherwise dark hour" - Billboard
"…showcases Bennington's iconic voice in a fresh context" - Revolver
"… awesome…" - Consequence of Sound
"The voice of Chester Bennington is timeless…
Grey Daze is bringing some of his vocal magic back to the forefront…" - Loudwire
"Within the first minute… we are reminded of what made Bennington so successful" - Alternative Press
"… very emotional …" - SPIN
"Both celebratory and emotional, the record stands as a heartfelt echo of Chester Bennington's power" - Kerrang
Grey Daze have released a number of profound videos in support of the 11-song release, offering fans a look into the early musical moments of one of modern rock music's most beloved singers. "What's In The Eye" (https://found.ee/GD_WITE) showcased live footage of the band, sharing some of Chester's first moments as a front man. "
Sickness" (https://found.ee/GD_SicknessVideo) portrayed the real life story of Sean becoming Chester's "big brother" after witnessing him being bullied. "
Sometimes" (https://found.ee/GD_SometimesVideo) proved how powerful Chester's lyrics were, even as a teenager, with the clip showcasing his words ("Maybe things will get better, maybe things will look brighter") against the backdrop of the COVID-19 crisis. "Soul Song" (https://found.ee/GD_SS) was possibly the most heart-warming of all, with Chester's son, Jaime Bennington writing and directing the visual piece. "B12," which opened Download TV, eerily written more than two decades ago, showcased the lyrics against the backdrop of the chaotic time enveloping the world. The final clip, a lyric video for "Morei Sky" (https://found.ee/GD_MSYouTube), ends the series with Bennington singing, "If I had a second chance, I'd make Amends."
Amends is the origin story of one of modern rock's most recognizable voices and also a full circle moment among friends. Dowdell, Beyers and Davis selected the tracks from the band's mid-90s, but largely unknown, catalog and re-recorded the music in 2019 to accompany Chester's re-mastered vocals. Produced by Jay Baumgardner, several musicians leant their time and talent to the album, including Korn's Brian "Head" Welch and
James "Munky" Shaffer, Page Hamilton (Helmet), Chris Traynor (Bush, Helmet,
Orange 9MM), LP (Laura Pergolizzi), Jaime Bennington, Jasen Rauch (Breaking Benjamin), Marcos Curiel (P.O.D.) and Ryan Shuck (Orgy). The album is available in a variety of collectible formats with several iterations available exclusively via the band's website (https://found.ee/GD_AmendsStore). The CD comes as a 16-page case-bound book; a first pressing, ruby red vinyl variant exclusive to the band's webstore; and a numbered deluxe edition featuring both a CD and LP, which includes the first ever disc tray designed for vinyl, a 60-page book with never-before-seen photos, 180g red and white splattered vinyl, and a collectible set of band memorabilia dubbed the "Grey Daze Archive."
Digital and other standard versions of the album are available here: https://found.ee/GD_Amends.
