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Godsmack Debuts New Music & Talk Reinvention at Intimate NYC Show

This is a big year for Godsmack. The band has not only just released their seventh full-length studio album WHEN LEGENDS RISE, but are also observing the 20th anniversary of their 1998 self-titled debut album. With all of these major milestones surrounding the guys, Godsmack celebrated with an intimate show in New York City for a small group of fans. 

WHEN LEGENDS RISE is Godsmack's first full-length album since 2014's 1000hp. Produced by Erik Ron and Sully Erna he record features 11 new songs, including its lead single, "Bulletproof," and was recorded at the band's headquarters (GSHQ) in Derry, New Hampshire. 

It's been 20 years since the release of Godsmack's debut self-titled album, and WHEN LEGENDS RISE is the first full-length release since 2014's 1000hp. The record was recorded at the band's headquarters (GSHQ) in Derry, New Hampshire, and produced by Erik Ron and Sully. Meanwhile, the band's debut album, which featured singles like "Whatever" and "Keep Away," has gone four times Platinum in the United States.

During their iHeartRadio LIVE show, Godsmack performed many of their brand new songs from their new album, WHEN LEGENDS RISE, including their single "Bulletproof," as well as its title track "When Legends Rise," "Eye of the Storm," and "Unforgettable." But the band also performed fan favorites from previous albums released over their 20 years together including "Voodoo," from their debut album, in addition to songs like "1000hp," "Awake," and "I Stand Alone." Godsmack also included a performance of their Beatles cover "Come Together," which is included on their 2012 live album Live & Inspired.

Watch Godsmack perform "Bulletproof," "Awake," and "Unforgettable" below.

Godsmack Performs "Bulletproof" at iHeartRadio LIVE Show
Godsmack Performs "Awake" at iHeartRadio LIVE Show
Godsmack Performs "Unforgettable" at iHeartRadio LIVE Show

iHeartRadio LIVE with Godsmack Set List

"Awake" (Awake

"Bulletproof" (WHEN LEGENDS RISE)

"Unforgettable" (WHEN LEGENDS RISE)

"1000hp" (1000hp)

"I Stand Alone" (Faceless)

"When Legends Rise" (WHEN LEGENDS RISE)

"Voodoo" (Godsmack)

"Come Together" (Live & Inspired - Beatles Cover)

"Eye Of The Storm" (WHEN LEGENDS RISE

"Something Different" (1000hp)

Aside from the amazing performance, Godsmack also talked about the making of WHEN LEGENDS RISE, and more, during an exclusive interview segment of the show. Here's what we learned:

1. The album's title WHEN LEGENDS RISE is about where the band is at right now.

Godsmack frontman Sully Erna explained that the album title comes from the title track "When Legends Rise," and is reflective of where the band is at right now. He explained, "'Legends' is just about the time and place that we're at in our lives right now." He added, "It's a metaphorical statement for rebirth."

2. The band has taken this new album as an opportunity at reinvention.

Sully explained, "It's been 20 years, and thankfully, we still have people that care about this brand after all these years, and we're evolving as people, as individuals as a band." He added, "It's about adding some new textures and colors and flavors to what we do naturally."

3. WHEN LEGENDS RISE is the first time the band brought in outside writers for the first time, including Clint Lowery from Sevendust.

Sully said of the band's decision to bring in outside writers for the first time, "It was just about exploring and experimenting." 

4. "Unforgettable" features backup singing from students from two different middle schools in Massachusetts. 

These kids had their own record release party, and were featured on the band's track "Unforgettable." The band signed copies of the album and surprised them at school, and explained that when the band came to town on tour, they are going to hopefully invite them to the show to help them perform the song live.

Photos: Andrew Swartz for iHeartRadio