Review by JD on March 11, 2014.

I was brought up on the band known as Metallica and for me Jason Newsted was the bass god (other than the legend Cliff Burton R.I.P.). As a bassist myself, it was a no brainer to gyrate towards the Thunder Stick master, and how he anchored Metallica despite the over controlling twosome James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. When Jason left the creative stifling of the Met-boys after the badly made/recorded and ill-conceived St. Anger, it was never in doubt that Jason was not dead – but he was finally coming alive.

After having amazing stints in such notable bands like Ozzy, his own creation called Echobrain and Canadian Artthrashers VoiVod the thunder master returned to doing no nonsense, explosive metal. Combining wicked thrash with the power of traditional metal that is tinged with this odd coloring of alternative, Jason is back and firing on all cylinders with his project Newsted.

The instant "Heroic Dose" shot through the speakers, I was blown away. The riff was simple, yet so powerful – shaking any real doubt I may or may not have had. "Soldierhead" was another powerful tune that is unabashed thrash with a twist that is all Jason. Other tracks I love are the wick looked "As The Crow Flies", "King Of The Underdogs" and "Futurereality". The remaining ones are damned good too but it is these ones that show Newsted has shaken off the Metallica thing to become a force all of his own accord.

I have heard other albums from musicians after that had left/got fired from a popular band – and they seem to run into that comparison that eventually keeps them from success. Like Mustain has done creating his own musical way, Jason and his crew are miles ahead of what people were expecting and are delivering music that is simply incredible. Next album just might be the one that sends him to the top, and show the world that he is just not Ex-Metallica, ...he is Jason...the one who will kick your ass repeatedly.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9.5
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 9.5
Originality: 9.5
Overall: 9.5

Rating: 9.6 out of 10