METAL HEALTH

Slipknot definitely took something from the front sleeve of Metal Health, and though Quiet Riot took their career from Slade, this sterling record deserves the metal mastering treatment. The kick-axe title track beats Slade at their own game and will still split craniums in 3000. "Cum on Feel the Noize," the actual Slade cover, is brilliant, a defining moment in cock rock celebrating metal boys and rocking girls riding atop a timelessly tight guitar comet. Alas, it's Slade's triumph, but who cares as long as America hears the song. The raw, prolonged opening scream to "Breathless" (not related to the Corrs) carries so much more weight when one doesn't have to flip over the record for it. "Run for Cover" highlights a hit-and-run lover holding tight tonight. This burner doesn't want to work, it just bangs on the drum, which is cool. By "Let's Get Crazy," the boys are obviously out of steam, but not lewd lyrics. Extra track "Danger Zone" (no kin to Kenny Loggins) actually rocks mightily, and a live read of "Slick Black Cadillac" showcases Dubrow's vocal gear grinding and audience baiting. The overall sound quality is cleaned up, but what's the diff? This was never a technical masterpiece. Metal Health gets the party started right, and always will. ~ Doug Stone, All Music Guide