By antiGUY

Drowning Pool – Sinner
Label: Wind-Up
Rating: 

Tracks:
Sinner
Bodies
Tear Away
All Over Me
Reminded
Pity
Mute
I Am
Follow
Told You So
Sermon

Now this is what I’m talking about! The perfect balance between power and melody. The Drowning Pool’s “Sinner” packs a mean punch while delivering memorable melodies. I found myself yelling right along to the chorus of “Sinner” during the first listen. This CD grabbed ahold from the first note and pulled me relentlessly from track to track banging my head like there was no tomorrow.  

The second track and first single “Bodies” is a hardcore musical assault that gives you a nice taste of what Drowning Pool is all about, power! A moving backbeat, aggressive vocals, nice thick powerchords-all the good stuff.  That intensity keeps up for the entire album. 

Comparisons to other bands are often helpful in music reviews. That’s a daunting task here since Drowning Pool encompasses a lot of diverse sounds. If comparisons must be made then think of them as Godsmack meets Pantera meets The Step Kings, yes they are really that diverse.  Even their slower song “Tear Away” still delivers with solid pure rock credentials. 

It’s hard to hold back my enthusiasm here. This CD literally knocked me out. But don’t take my word for it, check them out for yourself. If you’re looking for a new band to stir things up and raise the bar for heavy music, look no further than Drowning Pool. It’s a sweet addiction that will leave you screaming for more. Just listen to the CD and check them out at Ozzfest this year to see and hear what I’m talking about.   

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The story begins when drummer Mike Luce and guitarist C.J. Pierce moved from their hometown of New Orleans to Dallas in order to connect with friend and bassist Stevie Benton. "Mike and I were jamming together for about four years and we couldn't find the right people for the sound we were looking for," says guitarist Pierce. "Also, New Orleans didn't have a good rock scene. It is a great place for Jazz and Blues, which I love, but Rock is really where my heart is!!" They began to build a following while playing around Dallas, and taking many excursions outside the city limits. The trio sensed that one crucial ingredient was missing, and that in order to truly emerge as a force to be reckoned with; they needed to find a true "frontman." While their shows were energetic and pounding, they knew that the missing link was a singer with a unique voice and an undeniable stage presence. Dave Williams, who had been singing in bands in Dallas for two years before crossing paths with Drowning Pool, was the man. Nicknamed "Stage" by "Dimebag" Darrell from PANTERA, he is a presence like none other. His sheer emotive power delivered the sound and live electricity the band had been on the cusp of achieving for years. 

Now a quartet, the band coined themselves Drowning Pool when Stevie realized he had lost his virginity while the movie by the same name played in the background. "It took me years to make the connection with the movie," says bassist Benton. "I was up late one night working on songs and trying to think of a name for the band when I noticed the movie was on TV. It all just clicked." They then recorded a demo, which soon wound up in the hands of the band SEVENDUST, and the bands hit the road together. Tours with bands such as KITTIE and HED (PE) followed and suddenly this unsigned Texas band was building a following on a national level. Comments drummer Mike Luce, "After being on the road with some of our favorite bands, and seeing how tight they were, we just had to step it up a notch. With Dave in the band, we could go out there every night and put on a sick-ass show and have a great time doing it. It doesn't matter who we share the stage with ultimately. We are going to deliver for the fans any day, any time." 

The time on the road led the band back into the studio where they recorded a six-song demo that showcased the development that had come from two years on the road. That recording launched the band onto the radio where they shot into the top ten at the biggest station in Dallas (KEGL), and ultimately led to a deal with Wind-up Records. 

Heavy in religion and relationships, the songs on Drowning Pool's Wind-up debut SINNER go beyond hard. Says lyricist and singer Dave Williams, "I have nothing against religion, really, I just had organized religion shoved down my throat and I don't buy it and I don't believe in it. The things I believe in - family, friends, and music - they haven't let me down yet. And when it comes to failed relationships, you try to take good from the bad, but these songs are a great outlet for the negatives." The debut's lead single, "Bodies" is simply an anthem for the youth of today. The lyrics order, "Let the Bodies Hit The Floor," and it is literally a command ordering recreational, physical moshing. The ultimate message is one of unity and togetherness as kids of all backgrounds share the similar experience of dropping all baggage at the door as they join together in one sheer mass of flesh. The track, "Tear Away," is an ode to respecting one's personal fortitude, and the omnipresent importance of valuing yourself and soul above all others." Throughout the record, Drowning Pool's message is aggressive, powerful, and relentless in its demand for personal perseverance and self-esteem. 

Producer Jay Baumgardner (PAPA ROACH, ORGY, COAL CHAMBER) took the band to Ocean Studios in Burbank to record their first full-length record, and that, according to singer Williams, has been the most important event to happen to the band. "Working with Jay has taught us how to be such a better band. Personally, I like to mix up my voice, add contrast to the screams, and he's been really helpful in getting great sound on tape. We also just hear the band playing tighter than ever." On the experience of producing the band's debut, Baumgardner echoed these sentiments and commented, "With SINNER, Drowning Pool opens up a Texas size can of woop ass." 

Catch the band on the Ozzfest tour this summer, and in a town near you throughout the next year. Powerful, inspiring Rock spoken in a tongue the youth of America and The World will both relate to and understand.

Download the MP3 for "Bodies"

Listen to sound clips and Purchase the CD online

Album Art and Bio courtesy of Blue October and Universal Records. All Rights Reserved by Copyright holder.