CoC : Belladonna - Belladonna : Review

Belladonna - _Belladonna_
(Mausoleum, 1995)
by: Alain M. Gaudrault (3 out of 10)

Out with the old and in with the new, a motto Anthrax has been adhering to a lot in the last few years. The most drastic measure taken in redefining the group was the unapologetic booting of their lead vocalist, Joey Belladonna. Many old Anthrax fans were anticipating the release of the ex-vocalist's solo effort, partly to regain some of that old Anthrax sound, partly to see whether Joey could actually write music. The latter concern stemmed mainly from statements made by his old bandmates that his artistic input while in Anthrax was next to nil. Belladonna's self-titled debut album has pretty well cast those words in stone. None, I repeat, none of the songs on this outing have any redeeming qualities whatsoever, unless of course you consider tired, rehashed speed metal riffs and Joey's melody-impaired vocal lines revolutionary. The music is so dated, and the musicianship so mediocre, it's a wonder this band was signed at all. I see no major label interest any time in the near future. The guy needs a new angle, and most of all, a set of skilled, creative musicians to back him up. Till then, he'll just keep fading away into metal obscurity. Tough luck, Joey.

(article published 17/1/1996)

GIGS
9/2/1996	A Gaudrault	Motorhead / Belladonna / Speedball	No Stopping the Locomotive