Eric Bass, best known as the bassist, co-songwriter, and producer of Shinedown, steps into the spotlight with his ambitious self-released debut solo album, Eric Bass Presents: I Had A Name, due out February 28, 2025. A concept album that unfolds within a richly crafted world, I Had A Name showcases Bass’s immense creative range as he single-handedly wrote, recorded, and produced the entire twelve-track record. With a blend of grand storytelling, deep introspection, and an expansive sonic palette, this album delivers a powerful statement from an artist stepping beyond the boundaries of his established role.
From its inception, I Had A Name was designed to be more than just an album—it’s a sprawling narrative experience. Inspired by a story Bass first outlined in a Milan hotel room during Shinedown’s Attention Attention tour in 2019, the album doesn’t follow a strict chronological structure but instead offers snapshots of pivotal moments within the grand world Bass has constructed. Each song serves as a vignette, introducing characters and conflicts that reflect larger themes of war, power, survival, and self-discovery.
While I Had A Name immerses itself in high-concept storytelling, it also turns inward, exploring Bass’s personal experiences with mental health and neurodivergence. Though these struggles weren’t consciously woven into the writing process, he later realized how deeply they influenced the album’s emotional core. The duality of external conflict and internal turmoil makes this a gripping listen from start to finish.
Standout Tracks:
"Mind Control" – Released as the album’s first single, this track introduces the character, Devaren, who embodies the creeping influence of depression. With a brooding atmosphere, distorted guitars, and anthemic crescendos, the song encapsulates both the allure and destruction of unchecked power and self-loathing.
"Azalia" – Perhaps the album’s most dynamic track, "Azalia" follows one of the story’s main protagonists, a former warrior monk-turned-assassin seeking revenge against those responsible for her mother’s death. The song is both cinematic and pulse-pounding, blending haunting melodies with crushing instrumentals that mirror her relentless pursuit of justice.
"The New Gods of War" – A thunderously heavy anthem that delves into the themes of political manipulation and societal control. The track’s layered production and grandiose instrumentation make it a standout moment in the album’s larger narrative.
"Wanna Go To Hell" – A dark yet fun, introspective album closer that brings the album full circle, questioning morality, fate, and redemption. It leaves listeners with a lingering sense of unease and curiosity, as if the story is far from over.
Bass’s background in Shinedown’s chart-topping rock anthems is evident, but I Had A Name expands far beyond that territory. The album traverses a range of influences, from progressive rock to industrial and cinematic soundscapes. The production is meticulous, with layers of intricate instrumentation creating an immersive listening experience. His ability to shift from soaring choruses to hushed, introspective moments adds to the album’s dynamism.
Lyrically, the album is as much a philosophical exploration as it is a character-driven narrative. Bass crafts lyrics that work on multiple levels—both as pieces of the larger story and as deeply personal reflections. The characters represent different facets of his own struggles and triumphs, making the album an emotional and cathartic listen.
Eric Bass Presents: I Had A Name is a bold and unapologetic artistic statement. It challenges conventions, both musically and conceptually, while offering fans a deeply personal look at Bass’s creative mind. Fans of Shinedown will find echoes of his signature style, but this album is distinctly his own, breaking new ground with its ambitious storytelling and sonic experimentation.
For those seeking an immersive, thought-provoking rock record that balances raw emotion with grand world-building, I Had A Name is an essential listen. This is more than just a solo debut—it’s the beginning of an entirely new artistic chapter for Eric Bass.
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