Newsted - Metal (Chophouse Records) 2013

1. Soldierhead (4:16)
2. Godsnake (5:16)
3. King of the Underdogs (6:00)
4. Skyscraper (6:36)

Jason Newsted, most known for being the bass player of Metallica and Flotsam & Jestsam, has finally recorded and released his eponymous solo release. "Metal" is a four song EP released on Jason's own Chophouse Records. Originally this EP was released as a digital download album only, then later pre-sold on CD. All pre-sale CDs came autographed and with a signature Newsted bass pick. The four songs included here fall somewhere between Motorhead and Black Label Society. All four songs are immediately catchy, though I found the up-beat opening track to be the best of the bunch. The song opens with some dirty bass guitar that recall the legendary "Lemmy" Kilmister. Jason's vocals are slightly raspy and partially sung, partially barked out with a punk "can't sing/don't care" attitude. "King of the Underdogs" has a heavy groove with a big musical hook. The aforementioned Motorhead / Black Label Society sound is very apparent here. Hopefully this EP is just a taster of more to come. I've long been a fan of Jason, whether it be his work with Voivod or Flotsam & Jetsam. I felt he was buried in Metallica and could have contributed much more than I am sure he was allowed to do.