The Oracle

The Oracle is the fifth album, sounding Godsmack's aggressive hard rock through deep-bass grooves and sharp riffs. Dave Fortman (Slipknot, Mudvayne) produced. Rather than the melodic breadth of previous albums, it pushes firmness and weight to the front, with a feel that returns toward the early aggression. Sully Erna's low, powerful singing holds firm presence over the heavy riffs. The lead single "Cryin' Like a Bitch" became a signature song with its provocative title and intense riff. On "Love-Hate-Sex-Pain" and "Saints and Sinners," aggression and hooks bind at high density, and the closer "The Oracle" shows large-scale development. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, its third consecutive chart-topper. A powerful record concentrating the band's weight and aggression.