Sevendust, “Truth Killer.”

Fourteen albums is a testament to something must be going right. Atlanta quintet Sevendust may be one of the most reliable bands in heavy music, putting out a dependable brand of riff-heavy rock album after album and tour after tour. Yet Truth Killer hits different. The band’s first album on Napalm Records captures the aggression for which it’s known while also infusing melodic risk-taking that elevates the sound. Much in the way that Seasons showcased its different sides, so too does the new album.

There might be no better evidence than album opener “I Might Let the Devil Win,” showcasing a soft and soulful side of Sevendust, especially that of vocalist Lajon Witherspoon. Flanked by synths and programming, Witherspoon reaches a near whisper before delivering absolute power on the bridge.

“Been running from you all my life/ I don’t have it in me to fight anymore/ As dark as my heart as can be now/ I’m changing my life/ I’m waiting for light,” Witherspoon sings as the rest of the band joins in for the dramatic conclusion.

A more positive and uplifting message often shines through, even when the band hits its heaviest moments. What’s maybe most impressive about Sevendust’s longevity is that the band’s lineup has remained intact, save a brief period when singer-guitarist Clint Lowery took a break away. The harmonization and vocal trade-offs between Witherspoon and Lowery is one of the band’s calling cards. The two masterfully play off each other’s strengths.

The title track brings that melodic heaviness that’s more in line with what fans are accustomed to, yet still with just enough electronic infusion to modernize the sound. Morgan Roses mixes in some expert drumming as well as his own screams into the mix. “Won’t Stop the Bleeding” seamlessly fuses urgency, melody and punishing aggression.

The lyrical statement continues on the anthemic “Everything,” which achieves both defiance and motivation.

“So what do you wanna see?/ I’m gonna make you believe/ That I can be everything, yeah/ I can be anything,” Witherspoon sings.

On tracks like “No Revolution” and “Sick Mouth,” Sevendust combines thundering riffs with soaring melodies, melding them together perfectly. For all of the electronics, synths and melodic leanings, the band never loses sight of its heart.

One of the moments where the band trades heaviness for urgency is also one of the record’s best moments. “Holy Water” is explosive, dynamic and one of the best tracks Sevendust has ever written. Witherspoon shines, bouncing between sharp melodic verses and a powerful chorus. Lowery’s backing adds the icing on the cake. Producer and longtime friend Michael “Elvis” Baskette deserves a lot of credit for effectively dialing in the band’s sound.

“Leave Hell Behind” is about as close to mid-tempo as Sevendust gets on Truth Killer, the track also leaning into atmospheric verses erupting into an energetic chorus. That sound continues on the rhythm-forward “Superficial Drug,” which has Rose and bassist Vince Hornsby in lockstep.

“Tragedy in my blood/ I don’t fight it anymore/ Bury me with all the love/ Everything else is meaningless,” Witherspoon sings with a seemingly new perspective on life.

“Messenger” is ever-so-slightly proggy. It’s a slow-burning hard rock track with experimental guitar work. The band never loses steam, closing out with two of the album’s heaviest tracks: the thrashy “Fence” and nearly five-minute rocker “Love and Hate.”

Truth Killer is a triumph. Decades in, it’s a declarative statement Sevendust has something to say. It’s modern while still staying true the band’s roots, not compromising character for relevancy. It’s one of the most exciting rock releases this year.

Follow writer Mike DeWald at Twitter.com/mike_dewald.