The Summary Judgment Reviews:
Title: Sonic Excess in Its Purest Form
Artist: Crowbar
Label: Spitfire Records
Release Date: 8/21/01

Rating: 4 Skulls
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    • Reviewed by Behemoth (9/5/01):
    Crowbar is an iron instrument used as the working end to pry something loose, in this case, your emotions from the mind. Lead throat, Kirk Windstein, proclaims that things that don't kill him, only make him stronger-- makes sense. The band formed in 1989 and emerged from the extreme metal scene with hardcore heaviness that blended controlled aggression with dark melodies. Ten years pass and Crowbar are on Spitfire Records, a far cry from their New Orleans scene. This time the band returns to their core roots with a fine slab of grunge metal.

    For once the band was not rushed through the studio and it profoundly shows. Windstein continues lyrically down the path of angst and sorrow, with the songs, "Suffering Brings Wisdom" and "Thru the Ashes, I've Watched you Burn." Interestingly enough, his words accentuate a positive message to the listener (e.g., knowledge comes from what you see and do). Crowbar continue to manage a rotating line-up but seem entrenched with x-Acid Bath guitarist Sammy Pierre Duet (come on). Band members trade off riffs of proficient dark metal throughout this solid effort with huge vocals featuring Windstein's dark mentality.

    Feel the black energy of "It Pours From Me" with its intense, menacing sound, listen to the swamp core riffage. Crowbar immerses the listener in a vat of slow heaving vibration, featuring heavy, thick, driving music. This band continues to hone their edge through relentless touring, including past shows with Pantera, Sacred Reich, an extensive European tour with Paradise Lost and soon will embark on a new national tour. With the back catalogue re-issued, the new record and tour, finally, respect comes to a band that richly deserves it.
    4 out of 5

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