After the problems the brothers Paul were having with Phil Anselmo’s attitude in Pantera, they disbanded the band they formed together as kids, and set about on a new metallic project. The anger that the brothers felt towards Anslemo was there for all to see, especially on the track Fuck You which obviously was about Phil. This album has some of the finest moments that the Abbot brothers put to wax, namely the opening 1,2,3 of Wake Up, and the crushingly awesome Breathing New Life. If you don’t get up and bounce round your house to that riff and groove, then you are obviously devoid of your groove muscle and you should seek medical attention.
Side 1 is one of the best modern metal sides of music ever recorded. The title track is next, which again is really heavy with a killer riff. The side closes out with Pride, and it’s the most melodic moment on the whole record as it mixes melody with the heavy – a superb song! This album is 10 times better than the last Pantera album, which was quite directionless compared to this gem. The Abbott brothers just ooze groove with their every being, and there is groove by the tin in this record. They knew what they wanted to deliver with this record, and it was a big FU to Phil and Rex – and boy did they do that. Every metal fan should have one!
10/10 from The Grooveman.
