This year looks to be an exciting one for Sevendust. With a new album coming out in March and a tour across North America beginning Feb. 8, the guys of Sevendust couldn't be more energized.

Over the past 10 years, Sevendust has evolved as one of the most respected bands of their genre, known for their heavy riffs and melodic choruses. With fans across the world, Sevendust is a vital force in the music world today.

In a recent interview Sevendust guitarist Sonny Mayo described the band's writing process for their upcoming CD, "Alpha," which comes out March 6 on the band's label, 7 Bros. Records, a part of the Asylum/Warner Music group.

"Initially we had spent a little bit of time in our respective homes writing riffs and lyrics," Mayo said. "Then we got together and did arrangements for two weeks. We really worked as a five-member team to get the songs demoed. Each guy was saying 'I've got this!' and it began to come together."

Fans can catch Sevendust at the Webster Theater in Hartford on Friday.

"We always have a great turnout at the Webster," Mayo said. "We have a lot of great fans in that area and I look forward to seeing everyone there."

Before Sevendust's last performance at the Webster in March 2006 the band was in Meriden at Hogan's Alley Paintball promoting "Next" with radio station 106.9 WCCC.

"We had a great time even though it was raining on us when we played paintball," Mayo said. "The people that we played with were all Sevendust fans and it was great getting dirty with each other."

Mayo said it was the cooperation of each member that led to the short time spent in the studio.

"After laying down the vocals and melody lines, we went immediately into the studio and tracked all of the basic tracks in seven days which is unheard of."

The CD is expected to be on the heavier side, coinciding with the music on their up-coming tour. Two new songs off the album were released on the Internet and praised by fans on Sevendust's Web site, www.sevendust.com.

"I'm not trying to say this is the heaviest one that's ever been released, but the material is a little darker and definitely more towards the angry side than past records," Mayo said.

Mayo says that the ability to put on such a high energy show night after night is in Sevendust's blood. "We try to come from a place of energy so that when we get back on stage, we get back into that place where the original creation came from," Mayo said.

While it might seem like an exciting life for the guys of Sevendust, Sonny Mayo wants local bands trying to make it big to remember it is still a business.

"If you just want to jam, keep on playing garages," Mayo said. "If you want to be in this business, learn how to read a contract and always ask questions. If someone is interested in your band and they get standoffish about a contract question you ask them, leave the room immediately. Don't trust your lawyer or manager all the time, trust yourself."