Superjoint Ritual - A Lethal Dose Of American Hatred
My Thoughts: (Reviewed by K-Billy)
Superjoint Ritual is the permanent side project of Phil Anselmo, former lead
singer of the infamous Pantera. I first heard about them a couple of years
ago when I had to get everything I could that Phil was involved with. Their
first album “Use Once And Destroy” was an interesting ordeal,
including some of the heaviest thrash metal I’ve ever heard. After only
a year Superjoint come back with their sophmore album “A Lethal Dose
Of American Hatred.” Now where as the debut had a very refreshing old
school sound to it, the new album simply sounds like a tired rehash of “Use
Once And Destroy.” The main problem I have with this cd is that after
the opening track “Sickness” which is a definite rocker and brings
promise to the album, all of the following tracks sound entirely simliar.
Phil literally screams 1,2,3,4, before about 5 songs in a row to open up the
same drumbeats for each. While there are definitely some awesome tracks to
be had such as “Dress Like A Target” which is out of control in
it’s heaviness, most of the songs only have moments. “Never To
Sit Or Stand Again” isn’t necessarily that great but benefits
from about 30 seconds that are abolute pure metal. A stated before the rest
of the cd is really hit or miss. Other good tracks include “Destruction
Of A Person” and “Personal Insult.” However throughout the
entire cd it’s almost depressing to hear Phil’s ravaged vocals.
His voice over the years has really deteriorated through drugs and various
other bad habits. The only time he really shines is in his all out screeches
but when you listen to Pantera’s classic “Vulgar Display Of Power”
and then this album it’s a startiling difference and not a positive
one. Overall this cd is better then most of the bullshit on the metal scene
today but isn’t up to par with Superjoint’s previous release.
However it definitely succeeds as being an entertaining thrash metal record.
This cd is heavy as all hell.
Key Tracks:
Sickness
Dress Like A Target
Destruction Of A Person
Personal Insult
Waiting For The Turning Point