What's up freaks? T-Bone here to let you in on my next pick of the month. Every year, a band emerges from the 2nd stage of Ozzfest and blows up. In the past, we have seen bands like Slipknot & Fear Factory become household names. My next band I have chosen has that potential and much more. That band is Texas's own Drowning Pool with first effort "Sinner" (Wind-Up, 2001).

I first heard about this band when the official lineup of Ozzfest 2001 was announced, but I didn't actually hear anything by them until I saw "Bodies" on MTV2. Not only is "Bodies" fearless and in your face, it's the national anthem for adrenaline pumping mosh pits.

Not only can lead singer/vocalist Dave Williams unleash hell screaming, he surprised the hell out of me with his singing ability. Instead of being just another band that can yell, Drowning Pool focuses more on mixing melodic and catchy verses with aggressive and powerful chants that leave all the metal heads singing & screaming along.

"Sinner" was one of the best CD's I've heard this year. The music flows extremely well together, and it is as heavy as anything I've heard. What David does with his voice has a huge impact on the CD.

Some of my favorite tunes on this disc include "Tear Away" and "Pity." "Tear Away is your exact opposite of "Bodies" where David sings the chorus of "I don't care about anyone else but me" instead of barking it out. It's catchy I tell you. "Pity" is a great song that connects and slams hard with a lot of frustrated youth. Frustrations are dealt with and brought forth to a higher level.

A lot of these songs deal with spiritualness and religion. "Sermon" deals with exactly that. The last song on the disc is not only controversial, but also eye opening reflecting David's view toward religion. David had this to say, "I have nothing against religion, really, I just had organized religion shoved down my throat and I don't buy it and I don't believe in it." Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready for the big joke and deception?

Drowning Pool seems to carry the right formula for bringing life back into a metal scene through the use of plain and simple talent. Other tunes on the disc like "Follow", "Mute," and "Reminded" are all great as well. This is one disc, where I'm proud to say, not one song disappoints.

These Texans haven't let anyone down and Pantera would be proud. Look for Drowning Pool on the second stage of Ozzfest and then to hit the road with Sevendust & Craving Theo soon after. Keep your fingers crossed kiddies and remember, "If it's not metal, it's crap!"