Reviews list for Godsmack - 1000hp (2014)

As I continue to explore some more of the hard rock/alt-metal/post-grunge bands my brother listens to, Godsmack is a similar band to Breaking Benjamin, though my brother likes the latter more. OK, not entirely similar, but they fit in the same genres. My point is, while Godsmack is more of a hard rock band, they have enough heavy metallic instrumentation to qualify as alt-metal, a bit like how I feel about Breaking Benjamin. And this includes the more rock-ish albums from the 2010s...

Godsmack have taken their time with making their albums, allowing them to have some pretty good energy in 1000hp. The "hp" stands for "horsepower", but the video game side of my mind keeps thinking it's "health-points". Sully Erna and co. have been doing their heavy side well to please fans old and new.

The title opener is an anthem of their journey so far, taking us back to the year of their formation, 1995. Listen to that aggressive guitarwork and argue with me about whether or not that's metal, because I might win that debate. The loudness and powerful vocals shall pack some heavy face-punches. "TURN THAT SH*T UP LOUDER!!!" Slower riff rhythms come up in "FML" (F*** My Life) along with some catchy heavy hooks. The heaviness takes a time out for "Something Different". The vibe is much softer and more melodic. The heaviness from the guitar is around yet brushed aside by a simpler drum beat and background strings. What's next is "What's Next" in which the band once again go big on the heavy riffs and impressive bass as they take on lyrics of mortality.

The more advanced "Generation Day" is a 6-minute epic of the dangers of technology for our generation's future. It's a super impressive trip through aggression and beauty, including searing soloing midway through. "Locked & Loaded" is where Sully Erna shows the abrasive side of his lyrics to fight off those against him. It's another one of the strongest of the bunch. "Livin' in the Gray" has some sludgy bass and drums that become more groove-ish when the guitars and vocals come in, though the slight bit of electronic distortion in the bridge is a little off. The high-quality "I Don't Belong" makes sure some of the album's memorability doesn't wither away.

Late into the game is "Nothing Comes Easy" that comes off a bit odd. Guitars rise from the ominous ambience abyss with some rock-on distortion. "Turning to Stone" ends the album with some decent rhythms. However, it's surpassed by "Life is Good!", a bonus track in the Best Buy edition. With a rebellious chorus to engage the live crowd, this perfect anthem is one of the best things Godsmack has ever done. If this was in the actual standard edition of the album, I would give the rating an extra half-star.

With all that said, 1000hp proves Godsmack's ability to add heaviness and melody where they belong. Though with its more rock-ish sound, it's more suitable for my brother than the more serious metalhead. Of course, he can sometimes be as metal as I am. 1000hp is worth it for anyone wanting more hard rock/alt-metal in their life....

Favorites: "1000hp", "What's Next", "Generation Day", "Locked & Loaded", "I Don't Belong", "Life is Good!"