GODSMACK Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Aggression and introspection on offer in equal portions on this hard rock masterpiece. From the opening track, the album delivers a mix of heavy grooves and raw energy, the lyrics exploring both personal struggles and spiritual themes. Highlights include the emotive 'Shine Down', where harmonica adds a bluesy twist, and the heartfelt 'Mama', showcasing a softer side with a deeply personal message. Tracks like 'Speak' and 'The Enemy' stand out for their powerful riffs and infectious energy, while 'One Rainy Day' brings a trippy, experimental vibe. Smacks of brilliance.

Review: 1990s nu-metallurgists Godsmack caused a stir when they released their major label debut in '98, thanks to its fervent overuse of occult imagery and references to "Salem witches", coupled with its conspicuous lack of a parental advisory sticker on the physical release. It's a shame that do-good parents of the world can't see past the irony of such publicity grabs and lighten up a little; as Godsmack is a great, guttural, cathartic studio debut, which we see as no coincidence ended up being the project to cement their name, after the less patrimonial projects to precede it. A staple of the vocally lower-registered ends of the genre, which nonetheless indulge a screamier side, highlights on our end have to include 'Immune' and 'Stress', which more than justify this double LP reissue.