The Summary Judgment Reviews:
Title: Live in Dallas, TX 2002 (DVD)
Artist: Superjoint Ritual
Label: Sanctuary Records
Release Date: 9/24/02

Rating: 2 Skulls
  • Read the Reviews of Use Once and Destroy
  • Read the Review of A Lethal Dose of American Hatred
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    • Reviewed by Requiem (1/7/03):
    Hmmm... I didn't and still don't really know much about this band, except for the fact that it includes in its ranks Phil Anselmo and Jimmy Bower. This is one of the many, many projects of these lads and quite frankly it's one of the least interesting. Superjoint Ritual has the metal edge of Pantera, the dirtiness of EYEHATEGOD, the southern rock of Down and most of all the metallic hardcore edge of early C.O.C. The comparisons are unavoidable because these guys are what they eat, and that is Southern fried derivations of heavy music combined with loads of alcohol and drug abuse. The thing is that these two talented individuals have just gone beyond their creative capacities, making Superjoint Ritual the cold leftovers in the back of your fridge. You'll indulge if you have to, but until then you leave it there.

    With their debut just out this year, Use Once and Destroy, I wonder if we really want a Superjoint Ritual DVD already? I highly doubt it. But the label knows they'll cash in on it and that's the bottom line. Anything related to Pantera sells, and Superjoint's success is unfortunately based on this. You can't tell me that if five bozos down the street sounded just like this, they'd be the flavor of the week. It just wouldn't happen, but that's how life goes. Live in Dallas, TX 2002 takes the music of the debut and just recreates it in the raw, in what looks to be a good-sized club but very small and intimate for Anselmo's usual gigs. The music itself is played in pristine form, but it just lacks in identity and craftsmanship. Five sweaty, longhaired and proud rednecks bashing away like they just created the album of the century. And of course you get Phil's insightful words of wisdom in between songs. Besides that there are close and personal words from each member of the band, giving a little inside scoop on what they're all about. Bonus materials include two rather minimal videos of "The Alchoholik" and "Fuck Your Enemy." There are also tons of still photos of the bands in rehearsal and whatnot.

    And that's all folks. It's well done for what it is, but you might as well be a Superjoint fan to make it worth your precious time. It could have used a little more filler and bonus shit as this is the beauty of DVDs, but this was probably milking it as it was. I was always one to believe that you should pay your dues before releasing anything in the live perspective. We're jumping the gun a little bit on this one, guys. One step at a time, even if you have superstars in your band. But god bless 'em for loving what they do and spilling their guts out in the name of metal. Gotta give 'em credit for that.
    2 out of 5

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