GODSMACK

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"Faceless" (Republic/Universal; 2003)

When I reviewed their debut album back in 1998, I said that Godsmack was "a breath of fresh air in a music world where noise is confused with music and technology threatens to overwhelm everything human about art." Now, almost five years later, that phrase still stands and the band earns a new one as well: Godsmack proves that bands can grow, change and still consistently deliver the goods while not becoming a parody of themselves after a CD or two.

"Faceless" is one of my favorite releases of this admittedly young year. The CD continues the band's unique Black Sabbath / Metallica sound and delivers it with a huge wall of decibels and attitude. All twelve tracks herein are kick-ass rockers - the word "filler" never even ventures into the arena. Yeah, this release sounds a lot like the previous ones. It's supposed to. Listen to the first Motorhead album and then listen to the newest one. There's no question they're recordings by (basically) the same band. That's the way Godsmack is shaping up - a band you can trust to be consistent for their entire career. Some have complained of the lack of "something new" here. Me, I'm not holding my breath for Godsmack to cover a Beach Boys song, thank you very much. I'll take their hard-driving, skull-shaking sound any day.

Those complaining of the lack of something new should turn to track #7, "I Fucking Hate You" (or "I F******* Hate You" as censored by the record company). This is a different-sounding Godsmack tune - rawer, more stripped down and full of bitter emotion. It's still obviously Godsmack but, if it wasn't, what would be the fucking point? Also, check out Sully Erna's unique vocals on track #4, "Make Me Believe." An impressive and stylish performance.

"I Stand Alone" from the "Scorpion King" film is here as well, fans of that film and the video it spawned will be pleased to know.

"Faceless" marks the recording debut of the band's new drummer, Shannon Larkin, formerly of Amen. I'm no drummer myself, but Larkin seems to fit in seamlessly to me. The band continues to function well as a unit and that speaks well of Larkin's taking over the drummer's seat.

My only complaint about "Faceless" is that it took so long to get here and that it'll probably take too long for the next CD to be recorded and released. If that's the price of consistently entertaining rock'n'roll, however, it's a price I'm willing to pay.

Godsmack: Sully Erna - vocals and stuff; Robbie Merrill - 4 string thing and vocals; Tony Rombola - guitar and vocals; Shannon Larkin - drums and concussion.