So here is what we do know. "Transgression" was recorded at Track Record Studios in North Hollywood with big name producer Toby Wright (Alice in Chains, Korn, Soulfly, etc.). Other reasonably big names associated with this record include former Faith No More bassist Billy Gould on two songs ("Echo of My Scream" and "Supernova") and Lamb of God's axeman Mark Morton co-writing "New Promise." Somewhat big name cover tunes include U2's "I Will Follow" and Killing Joke's "Millennium," the latter of which makes it sound like Zakk Wylde subconsciously borrowed a riff or two....

Onto the music. Almost. Early reports have vocalist Burton C. Bell touting this album as "experimental" and saying that it was "going to surprise a lot of people." Both can be considered true. This reviewer, for one, was quite unpleasantly surprised that FF followed up "Archetype" -- an album that saw the band return to early form -- with this certifiable mess. File under "What were they thinking?!" Seriously. The record, at least this promo version, opens with some riffing that could have been played by almost any band. When the drums enter, the sound is unmistakably Trigger. No, not Roy Rogers' horse, but Raymond Herrera. If you know what I mean, great. If not, well, go buy and listen to some more records, junior.

Cutting to the chase, this album is only so-so, particularly following last year's mostly triumphant return. Virtually gone are Bell's venomous vocals. They have been replaced with very tired singing that parodies a style he arguably innovated, not to mention that the singing sounds the same through different songs. When he attempts to go "harsh" as he once could, he seems even more feckless. It actually sounds like Toby Wright kept the settings/cues from the last album's production as that St. Anger snare vibe is still present. Other similarities held over from last time out are the strange cover tune selection and semi-U2 vibe -- both combined in one cover song! Shades of other FF albums are present, but only as a topping rather than the ice cream itself.

This record makes FF sound like they are searching for something, as if they are catering to a certain audience (again -- can you say "Back the Fuck Up" with B-Real of Cypress Hill rapping on it?) or trying to expand their repertoire. No, this is not as woeful as "Digimortal," but it is a far cry from their finest hour -- or even their last record. Point of fact, Soulfly is invoked often, both sonically ("Contagion") and thematically (shifting around Nü-Metal tendencies while trying to remain Heavy). Mark Morton's contribution is somewhat interesting but not essential. Dimebag is clearly conjured on one song but that, too, sounds trite. "Transgression" is really a mixed bag and that comes from a long-time fan of the band. Perhaps I just expected too much.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 52.54