Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals “Walk Through Exits Only” by Toni Gnosis

Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals “Walk Through Exits Only” Housecore

 Walk_Through_Exits_Only

I am excited to say that Philip H. Anselmo (Down, Pantera, Etc.)’s solo debut on his own label Housecore Records is just what I was looking for from the iconic thrash and heavy metal singer!  We’ve been teased for the last four years with cryptic references to him working on this album, and now finally it’s available to smash everyone’s face and destroy their eardrums.

 While never known for understatement, it is refreshing to hear his vocals on this album come across more fierce and dare I say it fucking hostile. There are echoes of Pantera material on this album, even if Anselmo and crew did this unintentionally. The screaming guitar solos of Marzi Montazeri do recall Dimebag Darrell if but for a moment, while the drumming of Jose Manuel Gonzalez beats any work Vinnie Paul has done in the last 15 years.

 The opening song “Music Media Is My Whore” certainly comes across they way I’m sure it was meant. Evidently, Mr. Phil is none too happy with present day music journalism as he  goads them with shouts like “The remarks will reply “This not music!” but the rebuttal is simple: regurgitation is boring!”.  From there on out the album takes and increasingly harsher shape with many songs referencing building an army and calls for people to rise up and fight those who would keep them down.  Who knows?  Phil Anselmo may be our next civil rights champion if we’re not careful!

   The title track “Walk Through Exits Only” seems to be the band’s rebuttal to any claims that they are not making great music or that the singer is squandering his talent with the many projects he undertakes.  The opening cry of “It’s ruined!  Everybody ruins music…..not just me !”  really hit me in the chest like I’m sure was intended.  He later repeats “I walk through exits only…..because I can!”, and I think fans will embrace what he’s saying, to have the freedom to do what you want and to challenge authority and the so called powers-that-be.  I think this album stands up as a solid solo debut from one of the most talented metal vocalists of our time, and I hope to hear more.

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