Drowning Pool – Sinner

Review

Hold onto your socks because Drowning Pool's debut album "Sinner" is a beast unleashed upon the unsuspecting masses in 2001. Cementing their name in the alternative and nu metal scene under Wind-up Records, this record pushes the limits with the late, great Dave Williams at the helm. With its release on June 5th, "Sinner" sets off with a sonic explosion that swan-dives into the gritty waters of religion, relationships, and personal turmoil. It's like moshing in a cathedral—hard-hitting but somehow still anthemic, especially when tracks like the title song kick in with their infectious groove. But let's be real, it’s "Bodies" that’s the show-stealer here, endlessly bludgeoning eardrums with its relentless rhythm and testosterone-infused chants.

Don’t think for a hot second this album’s a one-trick pony. Tracks like "Tear Away" bring melody to the mosh pit while retaining that heavy punch fans crave. Then there's "Reminded," a gut punch full of longing and what-ifs. And for a wicked twist, the closer "Sermon" tips a hat to 80s metal with its cheeky complexity. Big shout-out to Jay Baumgardner for the killer production that gives each instrument its spotlight. Despite the somber shadow cast by Dave’s passing in 2002, "Sinner" didn’t just light up the Billboard 200 but snatched a platinum badge that very year. Raw, electrifying, and eternally echoing through metal history, this album’s still got the juice to influence headbangers today. - Sydney