Bullistic instantly recalls Brand New Sin in spades (!) and later goes on to sound like a better version of Godsmack (especially on "Eulogy" and "Ignorance & Innocence"). Not enough name dropping? Okay, sport. Think Kilgore (formerly Kilgore Smudge) at their Rock-iest, Stompbox at their softest, and Skinlab on their "reVolting Room" album. Guitar leads sound like they are equally inspired by the late, great Dimebag Darrell and the killer Jerry Cantrell along with a touch of Zakk Wylde. The rhythm section displays technical prowess without being over the top.

The vocals primarily recall the aforementioned bands but prime Scott Weiland creeps in from time to time. This description may be redundant since Brand New Sin and Kilgore already owe that man at least a beer or two. Lyrically some development would be very beneficial (remember Godsmack's debut and the overly repetitive themes and lyrics) but overall this is a fine effort from a group that I can easily see as at least the local support act for quite a few bands.

With influences claimed from Led Zeppelin to Mudvayne, there is stuff here for a lot of different people. Fans of Black Label Society and Brand New Sin, not necessarily in that order, would find a lot to like with Bullistic and hey, an all "B" line-up could be put together for a tour! Whatever the case, this is pretty solid, if not totally original. But then what is completely new in 2005? The Stealers Wheel cover is noteworthy if only for the original's appearance during the infamous 'ear scene' in Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs." In a word: promising.

[The playing time is 43:30 without the final track, which would have been better for the overall album flow.]

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 49.40