Having never truly bought into the hype of Drowning Pool or their infamous debut disc, Sinner, I have to give these guys credit for continuing on considering all the adversity that’s been thrown their way. After the death of original vocalist Dave Williams, the band dialed up Rent-A-Singer to grab Jason “Gong” Jones (AM Conspiracy) for the lackluster Desensitized, and I wrote the band off to rot in the trash heap of cookie cutter acts just like them. Then in came ex-Soil frontman Ryan McCombs and their renaissance album aptly titled Full Circle. Now after a successful resurgence into the mainstream metal scene, Drowning Pool have reemerged once again with the next evolution of their sound and their new self-titled album.

Instantly, you will notice that the first two tracks really showcase what this album is all about. “Let The Sin Begin” opens with a thumping, yet danceable drum line that is very reminiscent of Korn’s track “Got The Life.” Guitarist C.J. Pierce’s ferocious fret work is totally contagious, yet captivating at the same time. McCombs comes out wailing and absolutely attacking the mic with his trademark southern flavored vocals. If you haven’t heard, the first single and video is for “Feel Like I Do”; and good lord, from the opening riff to the very last note, this song is a total monster that has more mojo than even Tiger Woods. The choruses in both songs are some of the catchiest that these ears have ever heard. Super-sized concert crowds will definitely be chanting these lyrics during live sets. I was surprised at how these tracks, and the album as a whole (both musically and vocally), draw a heavier Soil (Redefine-era) influence over the traditional Drowning Pool style.

Now with that being said, if you’re into the original Drowning Pool sound then “All About Me” was made specifically just for you. The track comes out roaring with McCombs and company rocking break neck riffs, ultra low bottom end and slamming percussion. One thing that was an issue for me with Sinner and Desensitized alike was that both the music and lyrics were way too monotonous and bland for my taste. Well unfortunately, “All About Me” isn’t an exception, but more of the rule. With all the repetition, the song may take the listener back to the good ol’ days, but that means you’re going to have to swallow the good with the bad.

Changing it up a bit, the band shifts gears with the heavy ballad “More Than Worthless.” Beautifully textured guitars are layered with Mike Luce’s amazing “little drummer boy” snare blast. McCombs’ gruff, yet smooth voice really finds its zone during the verses as well as the massive choruses. Musically, the band opens up and creates a gigantic wall of sound that is completely captivating. There is no doubt in my mind that this song is a single that will create a huge buzz by dominating radio stations across the globe.

Other tracks that really stood out to me were “Children Of The Gun,” “Horns Up” and “King Zero.” From the White Zombie style stomp to The Cult-esque choruses, “Children Of The Gun” will rip your head off, chew it up, and then spit it back out. Once again, “Horns Up” features a very modernized The Cult feel with its driving guitars, deafening bass lines and crushing drums. With McCombs’ exclaiming “Come on, get up, get down. keep your horns up, raise your horns up”, I can guarantee that crowds will go ballistic over this one. “King Zero” sounds like a bastard child conceived from Corrosion Of Conformity and Black Label Society in some “dirty south” backwoods swamp. Very nasty indeed!

Fourteen years after their inception, Drowning Pool have released their most cohesive and infectious album in the band’s illustrious career. When a band can capture the energy of their live show and convey it on something that conveniently fits on your ipod, you know they’re doing something right; and that’s exactly what these guys have done here. This fearsome foursome have created eleven of the most hell raisin’, toe tappin’ and face smashin’ anthems released in a very long time.

4.5/5