Cons: some parts are sub-par, given the talent involved
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a continuation of Pantera, you'll be disappointed. If you can look at this release and appreciate it for what it is, you'll love it.
imcrafty1979's Full Review: New Found Power [Clean] [Edited] by Damageplan
I got into Damageplan right from the start, long before the release of New Found Power. Being that I'm from Dallas, anything to the contrary would have been difficult to achieve. I was not disappointed in the release of New Found Power, although it could have been better. As chemistries build and talents intertwine, this quartet can only get better, and I'm definitely looking forward to it.
The upside:
There are moments of guitar genious on this CD, Dimebag Darrell really holds true to being a living guitar legend. I heard sounds come from his guitar on this CD that I've never, ever heard come from an electric guitar - Dimebag's style is truly inventive, and is definitely nowhere close to the rehashed, no-talent noise coming from so many nu-metal bands today.
Vinnie Paul's percussion abilities also hold true throughout New Found Power, and is unmatched thus far. He brings a brutal sound, precision, and an agressive nature that is definitely a compliment to his brother's guitar abilities. This chemistry is to be expected, give their years together in Pantera.
I don't think they could have picked a better vocalist than Patrick Lachman - Halford really missed out when he lost Mr. Lachman, and Damageplan only stands to gain from his presence - he has a great voice capable of highs, lows, brutal gutturals, and skin-tinglign melody. He has a versatile style and sound that will allow Damageplan to cover more ground, and be more flexible than was possible with Pantera.
Bobzilla is a great bassist, and his sound is, again, such a great compliment to the rest of the band.
The lyrical content of this disc is well-thought-out, clever, honest, and in-your-face. It's quite obvious that the boys are not messing around, with songs like F**k You, Reborn, Pride, and Save Me. They tackle tough subjects like betrayal, mental issues, self-destruction, self-empowerment, and so much more.
The CD sleeve art is quite cool - a neato explosion adorns the front of the disc, which pictures the band walking away from the devastation. The boys appear super-imposed, but it looks cool none the less. The back of the sleeve pictures the guys up close and personal standing on what is, obviously, some Texas soil. I got this sectin of it autographed by Dimebag @ their CD release party Feb. 10, 2004 @ the Clubhouse in Dallas, TX so this piece of the packaging is special to me!
The Downside:
One thing I liked so much about Pantera was their distinct southern twang, heard in songs such as Cowboys From Hell, Five Minutes Alone, and Walk. I honestly feel that this southern style is definitely missing from New Found Power. It's to be expected, though, since 2 of the members are not from Texas, and have different influences and styles than Phil and Rex of Pantera fame. The New Found style will take some getting used to, but the southern style Dimebag and Vinnie Paul are capable of leaves something to be desired.
While Pat is right-on with his vocal ability, there were a few moments in Breathing New Life and Explode that I felt I was listening to a beginner nu-metal band. The lyrics are sub-par, and some moments lack originality and the sounds of power evident in other tracks such as Wake Up, F**k You, and Reborn. It sounds as though Explode, and Breathing New Life might have been rushed to market.
Overall I think this band will get better with time, but I definitely enjoy New Found Power - it's loud, obnoxious, and has such style and impact. It'll forever be a favorite.
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