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New Found Power
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| New Found Power | |
|---|---|
| Studio album by | |
| Released | February 10, 2004 |
| Recorded | August 20, 2003 – January 5, 2004 |
| Studio |
|
| Genre | |
| Length | 61:49 |
| Label | Elektra |
| Producer |
|
New Found Power is the only studio album released by the American heavy metal supergroup Damageplan. The group was formed by brothers "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott (guitar) and Vinnie Paul Abbott (drums) after the breakup of their previous band, Pantera. This is the final album that was released during Darrell's lifetime, before his death less than 10 months after the release.
"New Found Power" was also the original name of the band but was changed prior to the album's release. The record sold 44,676 copies in its first week to debut at number 38 on the Billboard 200.[3]
Overview
[edit]The album was recorded at the Abbott brothers' backyard studio, Chasin' Jason in Arlington, Texas, where previous Pantera albums had been recorded.[4] It also features guest appearances from vocalist Corey Taylor and guitarists Jerry Cantrell and Zakk Wylde, who had previously made live guest appearances with Pantera, as well as being close friends with all band members.
The single "Save Me" debuted on American radio on January 26, 2004. "Breathing New Life" served as the album's music video debut and aired frequently on both Headbangers Ball and Uranium in early 2004. This was followed by videos for "Save Me" and "Explode".
Many of the lyrical themes on New Found Power seem to deal with the breakup of Pantera, of which "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott and drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott were founding members along with Rex Brown.
New Found Power is guitarist Dimebag Darrell's last studio appearance prior to his murder in December 2004. Following the murder of Darrell Abbott during a Damageplan concert, there had been speculation about a follow-up to the album. In 2006 when Vinnie Paul was asked about the follow-up in an interview, he replied "it will happen when the time is right. I want to stay focused where I am now." At the time, he was busy promoting his new band Hellyeah and their self-titled debut album. He also mentioned "I think the fans would want to hear it, so yes I'd say within 10 years."
Critical reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Blender | |
| Blabbermouth.net | 7/10[7] |
| Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal | 7/10[8] |
New Found Power received mixed to positive reviews from music critics. Christine Klunk of PopMatters commented "I'm not in the least bit interested in where this band goes or what new and exciting ways they'll think of to abuse the listeners."[9] However, Allmusic's Johnny Loftus was more positive: he considered the album a "blazing new beginning" with Lachman emerging as a "strong frontman" and the band having "too much solid material" to be dragged down by a few weak songs.[10]
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul, and Patrick Lachman[11]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Wake Up" | 4:29 |
| 2. | "Breathing New Life" | 3:49 |
| 3. | "New Found Power" | 3:25 |
| 4. | "Pride" | 4:17 |
| 5. | "Fuck You" (featuring Corey Taylor) | 3:09 |
| 6. | "Reborn" (featuring Zakk Wylde) | 4:02 |
| 7. | "Explode" | 3:13 |
| 8. | "Save Me" | 3:36 |
| 9. | "Cold Blooded" | 4:57 |
| 10. | "Crawl" | 5:30 |
| 11. | "Blink of an Eye" | 4:19 |
| 12. | "Blunt Force Trauma" | 4:57 |
| 13. | "Moment of Truth" | 6:51 |
| 14. | "Soul Bleed" (featuring Zakk Wylde) | 5:13 |
| Total length: | 61:49 | |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 15. | "Ashes to Ashes" (featuring Jerry Cantrell; also available on The Punisher: The Album) | 5:06 |
Personnel
[edit]Credits adapted from liner notes, except where noted.[11]
- Damageplan
- Patrick Lachman − vocals
- Dimebag Darrell − guitars
- Bob Zilla − bass
- Vinnie Paul − drums
- Guest musicians
- Corey Taylor − second verse, breakdown, and last chorus on "Fuck You"
- Zakk Wylde − second guitar solo on "Reborn" and answer vocals on "Soul Bleed"
- Jerry Cantrell − vocals on "Ashes to Ashes" (uncredited on New Found Power, credited on The Punisher: The Album release)
- Production
- Vinnie Paul, Dimebag Darrell − production
- Sterling Winfield, Patrick Lachman − co-production
- Howie Weinberg, Roger Lian − mastering (at Masterdisk studios, New York)
- Johnny Marshall − string arrangement on "Soul Bleed"
- Sterling Winfield − mixing of "Soul Bleed"
- Rae Nimeh − additional sequencing and production on "Pride"
- All other arrangements recorded and mixed at Chasin' Jason Studios, Texas
Charts
[edit]| Chart (2004) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA Charts)[12] | 94 |
| Billboard 200 | 38 |
References
[edit]- ^ "Damageplan – New Found Power Review". Last Rites. February 10, 2004.
- ^ Martin Popoff. "DAMAGEPLAN - New Found Power". BraveWords.com.
- ^ "Damageplan: Webcast video posted online". Blabbermouth.net. February 24, 2004. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved February 6, 2008.
- ^ Kirby, Jeff (December 9, 2004). "Interview with Damageplan drummer Vinnie Abbott". Knac.com. Retrieved February 6, 2008.
- ^ Allmusic review
- ^ Wiederhorn, Jon. "Damageplan: New Found Power". Blender. Archived from the original on November 9, 2004. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
- ^ "New Found Power - DAMAGEPLAN". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. February 10, 2004. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
- ^ Popoff, Martin; Perri, David (2011). The Collector's Guide to Heavy Metal: Volume 4: The '00s. Burlington, Ontario, Canada: Collector's Guide Publishing. p. 102. ISBN 9781-926592-20-6.
- ^ Klunk, Christine (September 14, 2004). "PopMatters - New Found Power". PopMatters. Retrieved February 6, 2008.
- ^ Loftus, Johnny. "Allmusic - New Found Power". Allmusic. Retrieved February 6, 2008.
- ^ a b New Found Power liner notes. Elektra Entertainment Group, Inc. 2004. p. 2.
- ^ Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 74.
New Found Power
View on GrokipediaBackground and formation
Post-Pantera developments
Following the release of their 2000 album Reinventing the Steel, Pantera entered an indefinite hiatus in 2001, prompted by escalating internal tensions and frontman Phil Anselmo's ongoing struggles with drug addiction, including a relapse into heroin use that had begun years earlier to manage chronic back pain from intense performances.[6] The band's relentless touring schedule without breaks had exacerbated these issues, leading to unpredictable onstage behavior from Anselmo and a growing divide among members.[7] During their final tour that summer, Anselmo publicly stated at multiple shows that Pantera would not return soon, signaling the hiatus to fans amid rumors of his overdose incidents and the band's inability to schedule new material.[6] Guitarist Dimebag Darrell and drummer Vinnie Paul grew increasingly frustrated with Pantera's stalled momentum, as Anselmo shifted his focus to solo endeavors like the supergroup Down and the punk-metal outfit Superjoint Ritual, leaving the Abbotts unable to contact him or other members for over a year after the 2001 tour concluded.[8] Vinnie Paul later described the silence as a breaking point, noting repeated unsuccessful attempts to arrange meetings or discussions about the band's future, which they interpreted as a lack of commitment from Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown.[7] This isolation fueled their sense of abandonment, with Dimebag expressing in interviews that the courtesy of direct communication had been absent, prompting them to prioritize their own creative outlet.[8] In early 2002, amid this impasse, the Abbott brothers began conceptualizing a new project to channel their energy, initially dubbing it New Found Power as a symbol of renewal after Pantera's dormancy.[8] Dimebag recalled the idea emerging organically during casual talks, stating, "This thing called NEW FOUND POWER keeps coming to my mind. Let's start a new band," reflecting their determination to move forward independently.[8] The project evolved from informal jamming sessions, but persistent disputes over Anselmo's priorities ultimately led to Pantera's official dissolution in 2003, clearing the path for the rebranded endeavor.[9]Band assembly and lineup
Following the tensions that led to Pantera's breakup, brothers Dimebag Darrell Abbott and Vinnie Paul Abbott founded Damageplan in early 2003, aiming to evolve beyond the band's signature groove metal sound into fresher territory.[10][11] The duo recruited vocalist Patrick Lachman, a former guitarist in Halford, that same year, valuing his established heavy metal vocal style and instrumental background to front the new project.[12] Bassist Bob Zilla (Robert Kakaha) was subsequently added to the lineup for his prior experience in metal performance, completing the core group ahead of recording.[13][11] The selections emphasized personal and musical chemistry among the members over high-profile fame, fostering an organic collaboration without initial intentions for external guest contributions.[11]Recording and production
Studio sessions
The recording of Damageplan's debut album New Found Power occurred from August 20, 2003, to January 5, 2004, at Chasin' Jason Studios in Arlington, Texas, with additional recording at Marshall Sound Design in Dallas, Texas, the same backyard facility where the Abbott brothers had previously tracked several Pantera records. The sessions were led by the core band lineup of guitarist Dimebag Darrell, drummer Vinnie Paul, vocalist Patrick Lachman, and bassist Bob Zilla, who assembled as a unit following Pantera's dissolution. Under production by Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul with co-producer Sterling Winfield, the process prioritized a raw, communal approach to capture the group's live interplay, with the full band often tracking together in a single room to preserve organic energy and immediacy in the performances.[11] Throughout the day-to-day workflow, the team navigated several challenges inherent to forging a new identity post-Pantera. Integrating Lachman's vocal style required careful layering and arrangement to blend seamlessly with the established rhythm section, avoiding direct echoes of prior collaborations while establishing a fresh dynamic. Similarly, refining Dimebag's guitar tones involved experimentation with amps, pedals, and settings—such as Randall RG100 heads and Washburn guitars—to achieve punchier, less saturated sounds that highlighted groove and clarity over sheer aggression. These adjustments, informed by ongoing second-guessing amid emotional fallout from band changes, extended the timeline but ensured the material felt distinct and cohesive.[11] By early 2004, the album neared completion mere months ahead of its February release, allowing focused final mixes that amplified the record's heavy riffs and dynamic shifts. This late-stage emphasis on balance and impact underscored the producers' commitment to a sound that honored their roots while pushing forward, resulting in a polished yet visceral final product.[14]Production techniques and guests
The production of New Found Power employed a blend of analog and digital recording methods to achieve a warm, dynamic sound, with live drums captured by Vinnie Paul on most tracks alongside experimental use of drum machines and sequencers for rhythmic variation. Guitarist Dimebag Darrell incorporated his signature wah-wah effects and down-tuned guitar setups, utilizing Washburn guitars through Randall RG100 amps to craft aggressive, layered riffs that diverged from Pantera's established tone while maintaining heaviness. These choices were tracked primarily at the band's Chasin' Jason Studios in Arlington, Texas, allowing for an iterative process that emphasized sonic experimentation.[11] Mixing duties were handled by Sterling Winfield, who focused on enhancing clarity within the album's dense arrangements by opting for smaller drum kits to tighten the low-end punch and exploring varied amp and guitar configurations to ensure each element stood out distinctly. This approach resulted in a polished yet aggressive mix that balanced the band's groove-metal roots with fresh production flair, avoiding over-compression to preserve the raw energy of the performances.[11] Notable guest appearances added star power and diversity to the tracks. Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour provided aggressive vocals for the second verse, breakdown, and final chorus on "Fuck You," injecting a raw intensity that complemented the song's confrontational lyrics. Zakk Wylde of Black Label Society contributed lead guitar on the second solo of "Reborn" and additional answer vocals on "Soul Bleed," bringing his signature pinch-harmonic style to heighten the tracks' melodic aggression.[15] The Japanese edition of the album included an exclusive bonus track, "Ashes to Ashes," featuring harmonies from Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, which added a haunting, grunge-inflected vocal layer to the mid-tempo rocker and expanded the release's appeal in international markets.[16]Music and lyrics
Genre and musical style
New Found Power is primarily classified as groove metal, incorporating nu-metal influences and modern production techniques that temper the raw aggression of Pantera's earlier work. The album features downtuned, chugging riffs in drop tunings such as Drop D, B, and A#, creating a heavy, rhythmic foundation that emphasizes mid-tempo grooves over high-speed thrash elements. This shift results in more accessible song structures, with melodic choruses and radio-friendly hooks distinguishing it from Pantera's more brutal intensity.[2][17] Key stylistic elements include precision-engineered guitar riffs, solid drumming with restrained fills, and a blend of aggressive verses and anthemic refrains. Tracks like "Save Me" exemplify this with its commercial, melodic chorus, while "Fuck You" delivers thrash-infused energy through rapid rhythms and guest vocals from Slipknot's Corey Taylor. The production, handled by Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, opts for a thinner, cleaner sound compared to Pantera's thicker mixes, highlighting guitar effects like whammy pedals and wah-wah for added texture without overwhelming solos. Blast beats are minimal, prioritizing headbang-worthy grooves that evoke a sense of controlled power.[2][18][4] The album evolves Pantera's sound by reducing technical complexity and thrash velocity in favor of broader appeal, drawing from influences like Black Sabbath's heavy riffing, Metallica's rhythmic precision, and contemporary nu-metal acts such as Slipknot for vocal aggression and dynamic shifts. Spanning 14 tracks with a total runtime of 61:49, it balances heavy crunchers like "Breathing New Life"—reminiscent of Pantera's Cowboys from Hell era—with experimental touches, including acoustic interludes and Zeppelin-esque slides in "Soul Bleed." This results in a modernized heavy metal aesthetic that honors the Abbotts' roots while exploring melodic accessibility.[2][17][18]Themes and songwriting
The lyrical themes of New Found Power center on personal struggle, including the emotional fallout from Pantera's dissolution and the grief over the death of friend and Drowning Pool vocalist Dave Williams, as well as empowerment through resilience and self-reinvention.[11][15] Tracks like "Save Me" explore despair tied to depression and self-destructive tendencies, with lyrics pleading for intervention.[19] Similarly, "Explode" channels frustration from external judgment and scrutiny, building to an outburst of rage against perceived control and criticism.[20] Songwriting on the album emerged from a collaborative process led by Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul Abbott, who developed core riffs and structures over 18 months at Chasin' Jason Studios, initially as Dimebag's solo project before evolving into a full band effort with vocalist Patrick Lachman and bassist Bob Zilla.[11] Lachman contributed significantly to the lyrics, infusing them with emotional authenticity drawn from his perspective to complement the Abbotts' instrumental foundation and avoid replicating Pantera's sound.[11] This teamwork is credited across the album, reflecting a shared drive to channel raw experiences into music.[21] Standout tracks highlight these elements: "Breathing New Life" delivers a message of hope and renewal, urging listeners to embrace inner strength amid devastation. In contrast, "Fuck You" employs explicit language to confront detractors, originally conceived as a diss toward Pantera's former vocalist Phil Anselmo amid the band's breakup tensions.[22] The overall tone is cathartic and aggressive, embodying a defiant "new found power" that transforms post-Pantera adversity into motivational fury.[23]Release and promotion
Album launch
New Found Power was released on February 10, 2004, by Elektra Records, a label under Warner Music Group.[1][3] The album marked the debut of Damageplan, formed by former Pantera members Dimebag Darrell Abbott and Vinnie Paul Abbott following the dissolution of their previous band.[11] The standard edition was issued as an enhanced CD featuring 14 tracks, including the lead single "Save Me," with a total runtime of approximately 61 minutes.[1] A limited Japanese edition, released through Warner Music Japan, included an exclusive bonus track titled "Ashes to Ashes," featuring vocals by Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains, extending the album to 15 tracks.[16] Marketing efforts positioned the album as a bold new chapter for Dimebag Darrell, emphasizing his creative evolution beyond Pantera while honoring its legacy, which generated significant pre-release anticipation among the band's established fanbase.[11][24] In its first week, New Found Power sold 44,676 copies in the United States, debuting at number 38 on the Billboard 200 chart.[3]Singles and media
The lead single from New Found Power, "Save Me", debuted on American radio on January 26, 2004, ahead of the album's February 10 release.[25] A music video for the track, directed by Christoffer "Salzy" Salzgeber, premiered on MTV2's Headbangers Ball Tour special on March 27, 2004, and was described by vocalist Patrick Lachman as featuring intense, high-energy visuals.[26] Subsequent singles included "Breathing New Life", released on March 9, 2004, which served as the album's first music video and aired frequently on MTV2's Headbangers Ball and Uranium in early 2004; the clip was directed by David Lockard (aka Red Ezra).[27] "Explode" followed as a promotional single, with its music video posted online on November 8, 2004, via the band's official website and also broadcast on MTV2.[28] The singles received media coverage through heavy rotation of their videos on Headbangers Ball, contributing to visibility on MTV2, while tracks like "Save Me" garnered radio airplay on hard rock and active rock stations across the United States.[26] Promotional efforts included interviews where band members stressed Damageplan's identity as a distinct entity from Pantera; drummer Vinnie Paul stated, "This is a new band. We're not PANTERA—we're a new band, it's DAMAGEPLAN," while guitarist Dimebag Darrell emphasized the need to "reprove ourselves... establish the new band, DAMAGEPLAN."[24]Touring and live performances
Initial tours
Damageplan launched their initial promotional efforts for New Found Power with the MTV2 Headbangers Ball Tour in spring 2004, headlining a U.S. run supported by Hatebreed, Drowning Pool, and Unearth across mid-sized venues nationwide.[29] The tour kicked off in early March and spanned several weeks, featuring stops in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, drawing enthusiastic metal audiences to clubs and theaters.[30] Setlists emphasized tracks from the new album, including "Breathing New Life," "Pride," and "New Found Power," while incorporating Pantera covers such as "Walk" and "A New Level" to connect with fans familiar with Dimebag Darrell's prior work.[31] This blend allowed Damageplan to showcase their fresh sound alongside crowd-pleasing classics, with the lead single "Breathing New Life" often performed as a high-energy opener.[32] The performances generated notable excitement, highlighted by Dimebag Darrell's dynamic stage presence and the band's tight execution of groove metal riffs.[33] Following the U.S. dates, Damageplan announced plans for a brief European leg in summer 2004, co-headlining with Soil and Drowning Pool at major festivals and clubs, including the Download Festival in Donington Park and a closing show at London's Astoria.[34]Final shows and aftermath
In late October 2004, Damageplan embarked on the Devastation Across the Nation tour, headlining alongside Shadows Fall and The Haunted to promote their debut album New Found Power and generate anticipation for a planned second record.[35][36] The tour featured high-energy performances in smaller venues, allowing the band to reconnect with fans through a mix of new material and Pantera-era staples.[31] The tour's trajectory ended abruptly on December 8, 2004, during a performance at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio. As Damageplan took the stage, 25-year-old Nathan Gale, a former Marine with mental health issues and an obsession with Pantera, rushed onstage and shot guitarist "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott multiple times at point-blank range, killing him instantly.[5] Gale then fatally shot three others—security head Jeffrey "Mayhem" Thompson, club employee Erin Halk, and audience member Nathan Bray—before being killed by off-duty police officer James D. Niggemeyer, who fired a single shot to stop the attack.[5][37] The shooting led to the immediate cancellation of the remaining tour dates, with no further performances or recordings by Damageplan ever materializing.[5] Drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott, Dimebag's brother, withdrew from public life and the music industry for several years, grappling with profound grief and refusing interviews about the incident.[5][38] Vocalist Patrick Lachman later reflected on the devastation, stating that he missed Dimebag "every day" and viewed the loss as shattering the band's momentum and brotherhood.[39]Critical and commercial reception
Reviews and ratings
Upon its release, New Found Power received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its energetic riffs and production while critiquing its derivative sound and vocal performance. AllMusic's Johnny Loftus lauded the album as a "blazing new beginning" for Damageplan, highlighting the band's revitalized riffs and overall energy that signaled a fresh post-Pantera direction.[4] Blabbermouth.net echoed this positivity, awarding it 7/10 and commending the solid riffing and Dimebag Darrell's guitar work, particularly the complex rhythms and chugging guitars on tracks like "Breathing New Life," though noting it fell short of greatness.[2] Other reviews were more critical, pointing to the album's heavy reliance on Pantera's formula. PopMatters described it as relentlessly loud and repetitive, with high-volume riffs that echoed '80s metal without much innovation, ultimately deeming the content unengaging beyond its aggressive rhythm.[40] Several critics found vocalist Patrick Lachman's screams and grunts sub-par and overly influenced by Phil Anselmo, lacking the range to elevate the material.[41] Aggregate scores reflected this divide, with Album of the Year compiling critic ratings averaging 65/100 from a limited set of 2 reviews, alongside common acclaim for the polished production by Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul but frequent complaints about a lack of originality.[42] In interviews, Dimebag expressed enthusiasm for the album's fresh vibe, stating it felt "like home again" and that the band's shared drive made music "fun again."[43]Chart performance and sales
New Found Power debuted at number 38 on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 44,676 copies in its first week of release.[3] The album's performance was bolstered by the established fanbase from Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul's previous work with Pantera, contributing to its initial commercial momentum.[44] Internationally, the album achieved a peak position of number 17 on the UK Albums Chart, where it spent three weeks in total.[45] It saw modest entries on other European charts, reflecting limited but present interest outside the US market. By mid-December 2004, New Found Power had sold 167,106 copies in the United States.[44] Sales experienced a decline in the weeks leading up to Dimebag Darrell's murder on December 8, 2004, but surged sharply in the immediate aftermath due to heightened media attention.[44] Despite this, the album did not reach the 500,000-unit threshold required for RIAA gold certification.Track listing and personnel
Standard edition tracks
The standard edition of New Found Power comprises 14 tracks spanning a total runtime of 61:49, blending groove metal riffs with melodic elements and guest contributions that highlight the band's heavy metal roots.[1] The album opens with the energetic "Wake Up," establishing a foundation of precise chugging guitars and driving rhythms, while later tracks like "Soul Bleed" shift to acoustic introspection. Certain international editions, such as the Japanese release, append a bonus track titled "Ashes to Ashes," but the core lineup remains consistent across standard pressings.[46]| No. | Title | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wake Up | 4:29 | High-energy opener with groove-oriented riffs. |
| 2 | Breathing New Life | 3:48 | Features complex rhythms and chugging precision. |
| 3 | New Found Power | 3:25 | Title track with anthemic chorus emphasizing renewal. |
| 4 | Pride | 4:17 | Mid-tempo groove track building tension through verses. |
| 5 | Fuck You | 3:08 | Relentless thrash assault featuring vocals by Corey Taylor. |
| 6 | Reborn | 3:47 | Includes lead guitar by Zakk Wylde; explores themes of resurrection.[1] |
| 7 | Explode | 3:24 | Aggressive mid-paced number evoking early Pantera intensity. |
| 8 | Save Me | 3:54 | Melodic ballad with a radio-friendly, soaring chorus. |
| 9 | Cold Blooded | 4:14 | Starts heavy and varied, intensifying in the latter section. |
| 10 | Crawl | 5:31 | Extended groove piece with building aggression. |
| 11 | Blink of an Eye | 4:27 | Catchy, melodic track with accessible hooks. |
| 12 | Blunt Force Trauma | 4:25 | Hard-hitting riff-driven song maintaining the album's momentum. |
| 13 | Moment of Truth | 4:31 | Incorporates southern twang and slide guitar elements. |
| 14 | Soul Bleed | 4:23 | Acoustic closer featuring vocal harmonies by Zakk Wylde, evoking grunge introspection.[1] |
