Tormented is the debut studio album by the rock band Staind, self-released on November 29, 1996. In 1993, Staind vocalist Aaron Lewis and Staind guitarist Mike Mushok met each other at a Christmas party in the New England area. Mushok brought drummer Jon Wysocki into the fold and Lewis had a connection with bass guitarist Pete McEwan who later left, starting the early lineup. Shortly after bassist Johnny April joined, Staind officially formed in Springfield, Massachusetts on November 24, 1995. Touring in the Northeast United States helped Staind achieve a cult following.
Tormented was self-released on November 29, 1996. Promoting Tormented, Staind played gigs throughout New England with bands such as God Lives Underwater, Gwar, and Kilgore. The album helped get Staind a record deal with Limp Bizkit vocalist Fred Durst and the record label Flip Records. Durst was initially appalled by the album artwork, but changed his mind and signed Staind after being impressed with the band’s performance.
Tormented received minor attention after its release, selling at least a few thousand copies. Critical reception was positive towards the heaviness and aggression of Tormented, but was negative towards the album’s production. Described as a grunge-influenced metal album by critics, Tormented is somewhat of a concept album that tells the story of a depressed person who eventually commits suicide, inspired by Lewis‘s past struggles with depression, a relationship break-up and suicidal thoughts.
Tracklist:
- Tolerate
- Come Again
- Break
- Painful
- Nameless
- Mudshuvel
- See Thru
- Question?
- No One’s Kind
- Self Destruct
- Four Walls
Staind
Aaron Lewis: lead vocals
Mike Mushok: guitars, backing vocals, spoken word
Johnny April: bass, backing vocals
Jon Wysocki: drums
Additional personnel
Jeff Gilmer: production, engineering
Mike Mushok: production, artwork
Johnny April: production, artwork
Kaz: artwork
Keith Vasquez: photography
