Newsted ‘Heavy Metal Music’

  For fans of heavy metal, Jason Newsted is a man who needs no introduction. Metalheads worldwide became familiar with his signature bass lines in Flotsam and Jetsam and, of course later on, in a little band called Metallica. He has shared the stage with the likes of Ozzy and has recorded with legends Tony Iommi and Ian Gillan. For the first time ever, Jason is fronting his own band, Newsted, and has released their first full length album appropriately titled, “Heavy Metal Music.”

  Newsted is a true heavy metal power quartet with Jason of course on bass and surprise, lead vocals. Jessie Farnsworth and Mike Mushok of Staind join him on guitars and Jesus Mendez Jr. rounds things out on drums. The album kicks off at breakneck speed with “Heroic Dose” and I am thrilled to hear the brutal, distorted guitar riffs, finally some heavy metal that lives up to the name. “Heavy Metal Music” is definitely a guitar driven album with Mushok and Farnsworth lighting it up every chance they get. It’s great to hear Mushok in a different element. Who knew he could shred like this? Newsted and Mendez are a rock solid rhythm section and Newsted gives a solid vocal performance with a growl reminiscent of Lemmy himself. In fact, you can hear the Motorhead and Megadeth influence throughout the record, especially on “Soliderhead” and “Above All.” Jason even gives us a little Sabbath like gloom and doom on “Ampossible” and “Nocturnus.” My favorite track on the album is “King of the Underdogs” which starts out slow before catching a speed metal vibe and even includes some howling dogs.

  With “Heavy Metal Music,” Newsted has given us an album worthy of its name. Help keep metal alive! Pick this one up today and get ready to “unleash the hell hounds” with the “King of the Underdogs!”