Review by Rachel Jablonski
It happens more often for some than others, but when it does happen there is absolutely no better feeling in the world. No, I’m not talking about sex… at least at the moment. I’m referring to an idea that hits as randomly as a stray bullet driving you mad with excitement and anticipation until you have fully put it to good use! Dave Grohl must know that feeling well. It must have been driving him crazy while toying with the idea for the last two years. Since 2001 the concept of a metal album composed by Grohl and vocalized by a variety of respected metal artists has been in process. The results are in and Probot, a gutsy metal album ranging far and wide in sound and aptitude, is the hard-hitting outcome.
With so many variables in sound and contribution it is difficult to fully describe the vast array of the Probot album. From the deep, menacing feeling of emptiness in “Centuries of Sin” featuring Cronos (Venom) to the heavy theatrics in “Sweet Dreams” featuring King Diamond (Mercyful Fate) the album flows wonderfully through music well suited for each vocalist. “Red War” featuring Max Cavalera (Soulfly/Sepultura) is basically all Max, all the time. Fast beats and powerful guitars combine with severe vocals to create a brutal war song reminiscent of Cavalera projects. The heavy, yet playful lyrics in “Silent Spring” featuring Kurt Brecht (DRI) are nothing but amusing overtop the intense backdrop. In contrast to the all out heavy tracks, “Ice Cold Man” featuring Lee Dorrian (Cathedral/Napalm Death) demonstrates a slower tempo complete with steady guitar and catchy melody. Each track fulfills a unique piece of the Probot puzzle to create a resounding metal album.
The challenge of executing such a collaborative idea as the Probot album is immense. Think about it. We’ve all had those projects at work or school where we come up with an excellent idea to accomplish a certain task individually. We put a lot of time and effort into finishing things just exactly how we imagine they should be done. But then along comes an after-the-fact coworker or group member who viciously takes over and suddenly demolishes any worthwhile notion we had thus destroying the entire project. Dave Grohl started this project with an idea in mind. After writing all of the music himself, deciding who should sing on each track, sending the piece of music to the desired vocalist, and awaiting the finished product, there was little else he could do but cross his fingers and have faith that each track would turn out. The amount of confidence this entails is amazing. The attempt made by Grohl to complete a purely metal album has been accomplished and his efforts are most admirable indeed.