Staind are alt-metal's premier balladeers. The group transform the soulful confessions of singer/songwriter Aaron Lewis into heaving, pain-fueled anthems. After releasing a couple of records heavy on uptempo pummel, they introduced a more introspective style on 2001's Break the Cycle. The standout hit “It's Been Awhile” is a rumination on overcoming heartache that nestles Lewis' wearied voice and acoustic guitar in hulking power chords. On subsequent albums, Staind incorporated a subtle Nashville influence resulting in sombre heartland rockers like “Everything Changes”.