On this third effort from Texans Drowning Pool, former Soil frontman Ryan McCombs assumes vocal duties for the band, lending a distinctly different vibe to an established radio mainstay. Those who consistently label Drowning Pool as a nu-metal outfit will discover that all the trappings generally associated with that style have been stripped away. Instead, Drowning Pool has opted to focus on a present-day hard rock direction that works very well for the group throughout the majority of “Full Circle.”

Familiar influences creep deeply into the grooves of this album, from swampy rock that’s not too distant from the sound of latter-day Corrosion Of Conformity to mood swings befitting of comparison to Alice In Chains. Still, a certain underlying anger remains. When Drowning Pool chooses to express said fury, the intrinsic dynamic qualities in the group’s direction become all the more pronounced. But the band’s focus is now most often geared toward crafting music with plenty of power and melody without resorting to overbearing hostility.

Highlights on the record include “Enemy,” which is a driving, straightforward cut; the brooding, mid-paced “Paralyzed”; a swaggering rocker dubbed “Reborn”; and “Reason I’m Alive,” penned and produced by Nikki Sixx and Beautiful Creatures’ DJ Ashba. A rendition of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” is destined to become a live favorite, while “No More” taps into the aforementioned angry sensations, complete with an addictively ear-beckoning hook. Any of these tracks could end up circulating on the airwaves, matching up perfectly with contemporary rock formats.

“Full Circle” finds Drowning Pool sporting a more mature, introspective and accessible sound that’s vastly different from what many would expect from the group. The band has put the aggressive vibe of its from-out-of-nowhere debut, “Sinner,” and its smash hit “Bodies” far behind, evolving into a hard rock style that’s easy to sink your teeth into. Underscored by powerful melodies, ear-catching refrains and sensible song crafting, this album is a truly rock-solid effort. While “Full Circle” is not a reinvention of the wheel by any means, it is most certainly a welcome reinvention of Drowning Pool’s brash sonic identity.

»drowningpool.com