Confessions of the Fallen

Confessions of the Fallen is the eighth studio album by American rock band Staind. This is the band's first album in twelve years, marking the longest gap between studio albums to date. It was released on September 22, 2023. It is also the first album to feature new drummer Sal Giancarelli, who replaced original drummer Jon Wysocki following the latter's departure in 2011. It is the band's first album to be released from BMG.

Production
Mike Mushok said that Aaron Lewis wanted to experiment with synthesizers and had worked with a programmer to develop these sounds, so the first single "Lowest in Me" has a few synthesizers.

Promotion
On March 27, 2023, Staind and Godsmack announced a 25-city co-headlining U.S. tour to support Confessions of the Fallen and Lighting Up the Sky respectively, starting on July 18 at St. Louis' Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre and finishing on August 31 at Austin's Germania Insurance Amphitheater. On October 23, the band announced an eight-date 2024 radio tour, beginning on April 18 at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and ending on May 4 at St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center. On November 14, Staind announced an 11-date spring 2024 run titled the "Tailgate Tour", with Seether, Saint Asonia and Tim Montana joining the tour, starting on April 22 at the Brandon Amphitheater and finishing on May 15 at Pelham's Oak Mountain Amphitheatre.

Critical reception
Anne Erickson of Blabbermouth stated that "'Confessions of the Fallen', [like] 'Cycle of Hurting', is one of the album's heavier songs [...] It's an epic concoction, featuring Lewis's tortured vocals [...] Shortly after the two-minute mark, the song offers an impressive, fiery guitar solo".

AllMusic's review said that "Bolstered by the potent singles 'Lowest of Me' and 'Cycle of Hurting', Confessions of the Fallen stays true to the Staind formula (dark, heavy, introspective, and anthemic), with some tasteful electronic flourishes giving the foundation a fresh coat of paint".

Personnel
Credits adapted from AllMusic.

Staind Additional personnel
 * Aaron Lewis – lead vocals
 * Mike Mushok – lead guitar
 * Johnny April – bass
 * Sal Giancarelli – drums, percussion
 * Anthony Reeder – engineer
 * Ben Kitterman – management
 * Erik Ron – engineer, mixing, producer
 * Justin Shturtz – mastering
 * Keith Koening – design, layout
 * Ted Jensen – mastering