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By GREG MAKI
The very thought of Vinnie Paul back behind the drums again, doing what he was put on this planet to do, is enough to bring a smile to any metalhead’s face. That the self-titled debut from Hellyeah—the new “supergroup” featuring Mudvayne’s Chad Gray (vocals) and Greg Tribbett (guitar), and Nothingface’s Tom Maxwell (guitar) and Jerry Montano (bass)—is the most pure fun of any release I’ve heard so far in 2007 comes as an incredible bonus.
As the titular fist-pumping anthem kicks off the disc, what immediately jumps out at the listener is that Hellyeah sounds nothing like Mudvayne of Nothingface despite having half of each band’s lineup in its ranks. It’s clear from the start that Vinnie Paul’s signature sound is the driving force behind Hellyeah—not so much as the drummer, but as a producer (he shares the credit with longtime collaborator Sterling Winfield). Remember, Vinnie had a hand in producing every Pantera release starting with Vulgar Display of Power, as well as the sole Damageplan album. The songs take a no-frills, straightforward approach powered by a huge bottom end, allowing them to achieve a thick, heavy quality without always speeding along at a breakneck pace. A Southern vibe contributes heavily to the album’s party atmosphere.
After “Hellyeah,” the band eases up on the throttle a bit for the first single, “You Wouldn’t Know,” then follows with “Matter of Time,” perhaps the strongest song of the disc. There are no real surprises here, but they offer some variety: The instrumental “In the Mood” gives way to the Sevendust-style groove of “Star,” and “Thank You” shows a more sensitive side. But don’t worry—two of the heaviest songs, “Nausea” and “One Thing,” close the disc.
Lyrically, Hellyeah rarely strays from booze, chicks and generally raising hell. (Sample lyrics from “Hellyeah”: “If ya don’t give a shit ya getcha hellyeah/Throwin’ fists in the pit ya getcha hellyeah/Think you’re fuckin’ with this well hell no/Balls, volume, strength getcha come on.”) You have to love the AC/DC-like subtlety, especially on the instantly memorable “Alcohaulin’ Ass.” There is a time and place for complex songs that address serious world issues, but it’s just as important to have music that helps us forget our problems and simply have a good time. I doubt anyone is more aware of that than Vinnie Paul. I’m sure Dimebag Darrell is looking down on his brother’s new band, customary grin from ear to ear, throwing back a few Black Tooth Grins and rocking out more than anyone.
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