Round 6

CMJ - "...The most well-rounded album the quartet has released..."

Pro-Pain's particular brand of muscular, mechanic metal with just the slightest thrash and hardcore leanings comes off just a bit marginal on this aptly-titled sixth release. After listening to Gary Meskil's grinding, incessant, and just plain harsh vocals for any period of time, just about anyone would crave something even vaguely melodic, but when Pro-Pain tries to reach for something memorable, as in the alt-rock chorus of "Substance" (the record's first single) things feel horribly mismatched. Meskil and company just don't have what it takes to move beyond the already-established mid-tempo thump they established repeatedly over the eight previous years and five previous albums. There are of course a few metallic gems on the 2000 Spitfire Records release, like the punishing "Status Quo" and the uniquely catchy "Take It Personal." These solid entries make up for the brief incongruent moments, making Round Six worthy of recommendation for fans of the genre and the band only. ~ Vincent Jeffries|