New Found Power

''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.

Overview

The album was recorded at the Abbott brothers' backyard studio, Chasin' Jason in Arlington, Texas, where previous Pantera albums had been recorded. 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 death of Darrell Abbott during a Damageplan concert, there has 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

''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." 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.

Track listing

Personnel

Credits adapted from liner notes, except where noted.
;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"

;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

References

{{Authority control

2004 albums
Damageplan albums
Elektra Records albums