Stuck Mojo are the kings of what was groove rap metal. This Atlanta-based band was formed back in ’89. I remember reading a blurb in Kerrang magazine calling their first release, Snapping Necks a groove metal onslaught, and I bought it straight away. This was their third release, and their love of all things WWE was evident for all to see with Rich Ward and Corey Lowery pumping iron to look like their heroes. The guitar sound and production are freaking awesome, courtesy of Andy Sneap who now in his spare time is the touring guitarist for Judas Priest.
The album explodes into life with Crooked Figurehead, a blast at US politics and the reporting of. Great groove and riffage. Next up is Trick, a monster groove and the middle eight is to die for. The relentless groove continues with Assassination Of A Pop Star and drummer Bud Fontsere is laying it down hard. The title track is next and the music video showed the band in the ring with some of their heroes, this is the most commercial tune on the album. The outro’s heavy riffage is awesome as well. Next up is the ultra groovy Southern Pride. Killer riff and just the slight hint of funk to complement the crunch. Enemy Territory closes out Side 1 and man, what a huge heavy beast of a tune it is. Killer stuff!
Side 2 blows in with Back In The Saddle. A huge sounding chord progression opens up what is a slow paced groove, but it sounds oh so heavy. Dry follows and jeez, another killer groove and max riffage blows the cobwebs away. I love the hook and melody to this one. Next up is one of may favourite mojo tunes, Throw The Switch. The riff and groove are relentless and the twisted Throw The Switch line is killer. Hang ‘Em High moseys on in with a seriously dirty riff and groove. Tears slides on in and the riffs continue to pummel the brain. I love the hook and the accompanying riff. Pipebomb follows and the relentless assault continues. Huge sounding riff and groove. The album closes out with Suburban Ranger, the only totally rap groove on the album and it works so well.
This album and the one that followed (Declaration Of A Headhunter) were two of the best albums of the 90’s.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
