Drowning Pool – S/T (2010)
Drowning Pool is back with their fourth CD in 2010, and the second with vocalist Ryan McCombs. Personally, I have always been on the fence with Drowning Pool. I have liked a lot of their music, but I have always wondered if they could top their 2001 debut Sinner. Their electric appearance at Cruefest 2 won me over, and I have been looking forward to this CD as a result of that show.
The band has definitely had their share of tragedies, but with this new CD, I thought for sure that Ryan McCombs would be the spark that would help Drowning Pool continue to grow with their music. Ryan McCombs actually sounds pretty good, and there are some catchy songs, but Drowning Pool’s latest opus is not without its problems. The grungy guitar sound has always been a staple of Drowning Pool’s music, and for this listener, it no longer works. Why? The guitar parts practically sound the same on every song. The song writing is pretty good, but the muddy guitar sound turns good songs into average ones at best.
Some of the highlights include the songs “Let The Sin Begin”, “Alcohol Blind”, the kick ass stadium anthem “Horns Up”. I can’t figure out why “Let The Sin Begin” wasn’t released as the first single, it is clearly better than “Feel Like I Do”(See Video Below). This song is an infectious rocker, and has a lot more hit potential, in my opinion. “Horns Up” might be Drowning Pool’s biggest rocker since “Bodies”.
Sadly, I felt like the middle of the album had too many songs that felt like regurgitated radio rock. There just wasn’t much to distinguish the songs as Drowning Pool. I was hoping for more growth from the band, and it just isn’t here. With that being said, the new album isn’t bad. I didn’t like this one as much as Full Circle, but there are some good songs to be found here. Chances are, if you liked the last couple of albums from Drowning Pool, you will like this one too.
For the latest Drowning Pool Updates, check out the band’s myspace page.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Let The Sin Begin
2. Feel Like I Do
3. Turn So Cold
4. Regret
5. Over My Head
6. All About Me
7. More Than Worthless
8. Children of the Gun
9. Alcohol Blind
10. Horns Up
11. King Zero
Drowning Pool is:
Ryan McCombs – vocals
C.J. Pierce – guitar
Mike Luce – drums
Stevie Benton – bass
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