Search - Godsmack :: Godsmack

Livia C. from GREELEY, CO
Reviewed on 4/16/2007...

I got this for my son as he requested and then he decided he didn't want it afterall and it was too late to cancel the order. Looks to bein great condition. Can't say much about the music as I didn't listen to it.

1 of 8 member(s) found this review helpful.

Awesome adrenaline pumping rock

Forest Law | the Jersey Shore | 04/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Godsmack are an awesome band, but they somehow picked up a reputation of being Alice In Chains wannabes. I do detect an AIC influence, but there is an equal influence from bands like Metallica, Tool, and White Zombie in their sound. However, they have the ability to take their influences and create an aggressive, energetic sound all their own.Frontman Sully Erna's vocals are often very intense and confrontational, which sets them apart from their influences. Many of the songs seem to express anger toward someone, possibly an ex-girlfriend, with the resolution often being telling them to "go away". They do this in many of their songs, which might annoy some people, but I personally find it to be stress relieving. Tony's innovative guitar work (he actually can play lead, which many popular rock bands nowadays are not capable of doing) and the well oiled rhythm machine compliment the vocals and awesome songwriting perfectly. The best songs on the album (good to crank up when you're in a bad mood) are "Whatever", "Keep Away", "Time Bomb", "Bad Religion", and "Get Up, Get Out". Highly recommended if you are tired of all the trendy rock that permeates the airwaves."

A Powerful Debut Empowered By Sully Erna's Unique Voice

M. Hart | USA | 04/08/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Godsmack's self-titled debut album from 1998 packs an aggressive set of one dozen emotionally dark songs, whose mournful lyrics sung by the groups powerful vocalist Sully Erna are very expressive. Reminiscent of heavy metal favorite Metallica and grunge bands such as Nirvana, Soundgarden and 'Alice in Chains', Godsmack has combined several styles to produce a very unique sound of their own. Formed in 1995 in Boston, Sully Erna (who is a practicing Wiccan) along with with guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill and drummer Tommy Stewart first received notice when people began listening to Godsmack's single "Whatever". Popularity grew with songs such as "Keep Away" and "Voodoo". My ratings for each song (out of 5 stars) are listed below:1. "Moon Baby" (5+). Starts softly, but suddenly awakens to powerful guitar and bass, as well as Sully's dark vocals. Guitar aggressiveness later grows, as well as harmonized vocals.
2. "Whatever" (5+). Fast-paced, very aggresive guitar and potent percussion mix with powerful & melodic vocals.
3. "Keep Away" (5). Intense guitar takes center stage with the lyrics about wanting an exlover to stay away and features a guitar solo.
4. "Time Bomb" (5). Aggressive vocals backed by aggressive guitar and percussion take center stage in this song which also features occassional silent or near-silent breaks.
5. "Bad Religion" (4.5). Grungy song marked by aggressively plucked guitar & bass, as well as strong pitch changes.
6. "Immune" (4). Slower song that begins with a spoken sample before being swallowed by Sully's very grungy voice. Aggressive guitar comes through in the middle followed by a brief instrumental interlude. Good guitar riffs towards the latter part of the song.
7. "Someone in London" (3.5). Slow, but very dark instrumental marked by strong bass and base drum. Sound effects include lightly heard screams before leading into the next song.
8. "Get Up, Get Out!" (4). Faster tempo and aggressively riffed guitar back Sully's aggressive vocals. Somewhat repetivite.
9. "Now or Never" (3). Song begins softly but quickly crescendos instrumentally with aggressive guitar and percussion before the dark vocals begin. Not a particularly engaging song as it is somewhat long and monotonic.
10. "Stress" (4). Faster and less dark song than the previous track. More engaging guitar and lyrics including a lengthy scream from Sully.
11. "Situation" (4.5). Song begins with sounds reminiscent of a squeaky wheel, but is quickly taken over by aggressive guitar and bass with Sully's wailful vocals. Good guitar riffs and solo.
12. "Voodoo" (5+). One of the best songs on the album, starting with Sully's funereal melodic vocals followed by strong percussion and bass with guitar in the background. Though the song itself is 4:40 minutes long, the track continues for another 4+ minutes of silence and lightly played percussion.Overall, I rate Godsmack's self-titled debut album with 4 out of 5 stars. It's powerfully dark music can be listened to repeatedly without becoming tiresome. I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys grunge or dark rock."