Sinner

Intense, dynamic, and full of seething rage, Drowning Pool's powerful debut finds ardent (and sometimes screaming) vocalist Dave Williams mining topics ranging from religion ("Sinner") to relationships ("Reminded") to fine effect, creating a nu-metal opus that's rock-solid from start to finish. "Bodies" boasts an irresistible, insinuating growling chorus ("Let the bodies hit the floor"), with the tune's melodic, suspenseful verses providing the perfect buildup for the cathartic chorus.

Williams's impressive whisper-to-a-scream delivery in "Tear Away" and the unbridled energy of "Told You So" are also striking. The Texas quartet's post rap-rock heaviness is aggro yet melodic, not to mention believable, credible, and intelligent. Their smart lyrics, chunky rhythms, and punchy production (by Jay Baumgardner of Papa Roach fame) make this music for the Ozzfest generation. --Katherine Turman