Godsmack’s Sully Erna, ‘Avalon’ — New Album

Godsmack's Sully Erna is showing another side of his musical personality with 'Avalon,' a solo album which he has been working diligently on for seven (seven!) years. Erna must be a perfectionist -- or just really busy -- if it takes him over a half-dozen years to complete a project.

That said, 'Avalon' is as different from Godsmack's crunchy hard rock as potatoes are from broccoli. The album is decidedly not a rock record. It's is due in stores on Sept. 14, and there is an interesting cast of characters who lend their talents to the record, namely classically-trained cellist Irina Chirkova and percussionist Niall Gregory of Dead Can Dance. The album also boasts atypical instruments like hand drums, cellos, flutes and the piano. Did we mention that this is so not a rock record?

"I truly believe that this is my best work to date. I'm more proud of this record than any other music I have ever recorded," Erna wrote in a blog on Godsmack's MySpace page. I'm not so sure that his bandmates in the 'Smack would be stoked to read that comment, but I guess he's got an album to promote and he has to hype it up as much as possible. So you can't blame a guy for trying, right?

Erna also posted: "It is so pure and organic, every ounce of my blood, sweat and tears has been poured into this body of work. Without a doubt, I have completely exposed myself in this album. More importantly, it's just a very cool musical journey you go on when you listen through. Although, as I've said before, I must emphasize that THIS IS NOT A ROCK RECORD! This is a series of beautifully arranged compositions that I have created over many years. Some compositions are newer, written with the help of my solo bandmates. Others have been shelved over time waiting for the right moment to be released. That moment is finally here, and I couldn't be more proud to share it with all of you!"