GODSMACK FACTS:
Members: Sully Erna, Tony Rombola, Robbie Merrill, Shannon Larkin
Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Hometown: Lawrence, Massachusetts
Albums: Godsmack (1998); Awake (2000); Faceless (2003); IV (2006); The Oracle (2010)
Awards: 1 Billboard Award
Hits: "Awake," "I Stand Alone," "Straight Out of Line," "Speak," "Whiskey Hangover," "Cryin' Like a Bitch!"
Other:
Comprised of frontman Sully Erna, guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill and drummer Shannon Larkin, Godsmack has been one of the most unique groups to come out of the post-grunge '90s. The band has been a staple on rock radio for 15 years, and continues to be a popular act among hard rock fans.
The band formed in the mid '90s after Erna wanted to lead his own group, and soon after the quartet recorded their first album, All Wound Up. Though the record was initially released independently by the band, it was cleaned up and re-released by their new record label as the band’s self-titled debut in 1998.
Their album received generally favorable reviews and featured a number of popular singles including "Whatever," "Keep Away" and "Bad Religion." During this time, Godsmack also became famous for their energetic live performances, which helped their CD gain significant traction on Boston-area radio stations. Thanks to the success of their debut, Godsmack was invited to perform in a pair of huge music festivals in 1999 – Woodstock and Ozzfest.
After the popularity of their first major released, the band’s second album, Awake, dropped in October 2000. Although Awake failed to earn as much critical praise as its predecessor, it did fairly well on the charts, reaching number 5 five on the The Billboard 200 chart. Additionally, the album's title track climbed up modern rock charts. The tune “Vampires” from Awake also earned the group a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 2002.
With growing popularity, including a song on the soundtrack to the 2002 film The Scorpion King, the group released their third album, Faceless in 2003. The album received a generally positive reception and a pair of songs earned Grammy nominations: "Straight Out of Line" was up for Best Rock Song and “I Stand Alone” was nominated for Best Hard Rock Performance.
In 2006, Godsmack gave fans their fourth studio album, the aptly title IV. The record featured a number of hit singles including "Speak," "Shine Down," and "The Enemy."
Anchored by a trio of hits, the album became certified gold in the United States by the RIAA.
Since then, the band announced they were taking a break, however in 2008 it was revealed they would be reforming and recording a new album. The Oracle, their fifth released, was available in May 2010 and debuted at number one after selling 117,000 albums its first week, proving Godsmack has managed to stay relevant even 12 years after their first record.