CD Review

Drowning Pool
Sony Music

Confession: Forgive me Father for I have sinned. My sins are purchasing the new Drowning Pool CD and listening to it day and night. I know it is bad, I know it will make you mad. But the CD is just calling me in with its evil. Its thorny yet the sweet lyrics captivate me. Its vocalist Dave Williams’ haunting growls hypnotize me, urging me to press that replay button more and more. Forgive me Father, the album made me do it.

I am in penance now, for the words I’ve heard, words that are unpleasant for my faith but incessant for my taste. Pardon me for sampling "Sermon," their cut-to-the-bone hit on organized religion, "Bodies," an anthem for those blasphemous mosh-pitters, and "I Am," an indignant spell from a failed relationship. All of them have guitar riffs that test my conviction and melodies that challenge my stand. I just have to give in.

I confess, these Dallas boys made me do it. They are just too good to be compared with other mainstream rock slackers, but too wicked for being so contagious. You see Father, this quartet didn’t just grab an instant album contract and turn out to be another set of amateur head bangers. Rather they really buff themselves up with road tours just to give me this album. How can I resist? That is why I am in deep contrition for the sin that is so musically intense.

Give me my due punishment. I am ready to accept. I am a sinner just like the album. I just pray that the heavens grant me the strength to stand firm, and the power to overcome Drowning Pool. But I might just fail…um… Father? Will you be here next week?