Stuck Mojo
Rising

THE REVIEW

Third work from the Atlanta band.

STUCK MOJO represented the most credible fusion between metal sounds and rap vocals of the latter half of the '90s. Even though their image of muscular and heavily tattooed guys often drew them into negative criticism and the indifference of mainstream critics. I had the chance to see them live a couple of times and years later I can confirm that I witnessed one of the best bands of the genre on stage. Attitude to sell, sweat, and no holding back.

This album is the classic maturity album. While the first two were tied to Thrash metal-hardcore with the classic rapped singing by the great black singer BONZ, in this one they add a SOUTHERN touch that enriches their crossover even more. All the songs rest on the vitamin-packed THRASH riffs of guitarist RICH WARD, the real keeper of the STUCK MOJO trademark, supported by the powerful rhythm section of COREY LOWERY on bass and BUD FONTSERE on drums. Thus we find the powerful CROOKED FIGUREHEAD (a clear song against then-president CLINTON) and TRICK next to the more melodic RISING (chosen as the theme for the WRESTLING federation and supported by a very entertaining video).
In SOUTHERN PRIDE, those previously hinted at southern rock elements emerge, with female choruses and harmonica.
ENEMY TERRITORY and BACK THE SADDLE are two cadenced THRASH SONGS complete with GROWL VOCALS by guitarist WARD and the great CHUCK BILLY, the singer of TESTAMENT, as a welcome guest.
THROW THE SWITCH is the fastest song of the bunch, their clear stance in favor of the death penalty?!!

In short, a tough album light-years away from "RAP-METAL" bands like early KORN and LIMP BIZKIT but a record that could satisfy even those who only listen to metal, due to the musical foundation worthy of the best bands of the second THRASH wave of the '90s. So if you like PANTERA, MACHINE HEAD, or SEPULTURA of "CHAOS a.d.", give it a listen.