Hard rockers Drowning Pool have returned with their latest full-length effort entitled Strike A Nerve. The band stormed onto the metal scene with their single “Bodies” in 2001 from their now-legendary record Sinner, but the untimely passing of original vocalist Dave Williams left the band unsure of where to turn to next. The lead vocalist turnstile would continue over the band’s tenure, as current lead vocalist Jasen Moreno is the latest to carry the mantle. Strike A Nerve sounds like a band re-focused, and hungry to take back the airwaves on the coveted Hard Rock radio top spot.
The set kicks off with an introductory song called “Doing Time In Hell” before launching into the punishing, yet melodic, hard-nosed metal track called “Hate Against Hate.” The band, which is rounded out by founding guitarist CJ Pierce, drummer Mike Luce and bassist Stevie Benton, and their quarter-century of playing together pays off in their tightness of the instrumentation. Drowning Pool are able to change up their straight-forward metal approach at times on songs like the title track of “Strike A Nerve” that rocks along with a pissed off purpose.
The band makes things interesting by adding some electronic elements on songs like “Choke” that features some great riffing from Pierce, and allows for Moreno to sing above the wailing with veteran poise. Add in a nice ballad in “Everything But You” and Drowning Pool are doing their best to keep interest high in their unique brand of radio-ready metal. Be sure to check out the late album standout in “Rope” that grabs the listener by the throat and rocks along with plenty of twists and turns.
Closing out with the punishing “Mind Right” was the right choice as it leaves the audience with one last chance to rock out before turning the page on the latest chapter of the band’s discography. Strike a Nerve is bound to make you feel something, and in today’s crowded metal scene, that’s certainly worth commending.