Richard Patrick – vocals, guitar

Mitchell Marlow – guitar

John Spiker – bass

Mika Fineo – drums

            It has been six years since Filter has offered something new (The Amalgamut being the last). Since then much has went on in the headlines (and out). Frontman Richard Patrick went into rehab then band went on hiatus. Not long after Patrick formed rock super group Army of Anyone. They hit the world with a one and done in about two years’ time. Now Filter is somewhat reunited, with Patrick being the only member to return. The new album Anthems for the Damned features 12 tracks. The album begins with a track titled “Soldiers Of Misfortune,” which happens to be the current single off the album. It is a softer track that is sort of pissed off about the war overseas, but reaching out to the soldiers at the same time. A perfect written track that captured the understanding needed towards the soldiers and being aware that they are doing their job(s) and may not think that it’s right. “What’s Next” brings back the hard rock party that Filter is use to. The pounding drums flowing between guitar riffs and Patrick’s voice sets the track off. “The Wake” follows up with another harder track. It too has some great drums and guitar riffs. Next comes the title track “Cold (Anthem For The Damned).” It’s a slower track that is lead by Patrick’s vocals, but picks up in the chorus section of the track, with the addition of backing vocals as well. “Lie After Lie” features a bit of acoustic guitar through the track and gives it an extra flare to it, but it also seems to follow the path of the title track. “Kill the Day” give you something to sing about as you will find yourself singing along sooner or later while “The Take” kicks it up a notch with a fast pace with head banging worthiness. It does however repeat a bit, but in this instance it sounds good. Next is “In Dreams” which is another ear tingling experience. The guitar flame up and drive the track home. The album ends with the 2 longest songs on it. “Only You” shows a very sensitive side of the rockers as “Can Stop This” is an instrumental track that will probable just get lost in the shuffle. Overall the album is pretty decent for a 6 year layoff (more or less). It does show some of the good old Filter days with the additions to some new stuff. Some of the tracks sound few similar to others on the album. It also seems that Patrick is writing from his soul rather than items seen out and about for the most part. While to most fans it wouldn’t be as good as their first 2 albums, Anthem should be listened to a few times before a judgment be placed on the album. It’s a unique album they may take time to get use to.

Rating:  7.5 out of 10

My favorite tracks:

Soldiers of Misfortune, What’s Next, and The Take

Track List:

1.      Soldiers Of Misfortune

2.      What’s Next

3.      The Wake

4.      Cold (Anthem For The Damned)

5.      Hatred Is Contagious

6.      Lie After Lie

7.      Kill the Day

8.      The Take

9.      I Keep Flowers Around

10.  In Dreams

11.  Only You

12.  Can Stop This

Website (s): www.officalfilter.com