Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals- "Walk Through Exits Only"

Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals- "Walk Through Exits Only" (2013 Housecore Records)

A comeback Doesn't come gently, it's as ugly as ugly is...made of hedonist handcuffs, crushing weight, neurotic accuracy, and kills love outright", as Phil spits out with disgust on the self titled track from his debut solo album. For all the shots Phil has taken over the years from the press, and trolls scouring the internet with the sole purpose of spreading blind hatred, he has made a triumphant return to his extreme roots that haters and fans alike have all clamored for. The return is true to form for Anselmo, this generations most iconic and legendary front men, who has been focusing on Down for the past several years. I have heard things like Phil has lost his voice,can't sing  like he used to, or is burned out. Well I guess haters are gonna hate no matter what.

Philip and his backing band The Illegals have made an extreme record that metal fans, and fans of Philip are sure to embrace. Anselmo has touched on his past and struggles with substance abuse, his introverted ways, and has done a great job of painting that picture for the listener on "Walk Through Exits Only".Lyrically , he takes the listener inside his head to what seems to be the lowest point one could reach. The feeling of desperation and despair is quite apparent on tracks like "Bedridden", and "Bedroom Destroyer" For all the people who think that Phil has  not been able to scream and rant like in years past, sorry to disappoint you. Phil has warmed the pipes up and unleashes all the built up rage he has carried deep inside himself over the years. Not only does the "kid" bring it  with all his might, Anselmo has given us all a gift in the form of guitarist Marzi Montazeri. Marzi effortlessly plays his guitar with precision and fury to the point where the listener will think “Where the hell has this guy been?” The rhythm section consisting of bassist Steve Taylor, and drummer Jose Manual Gonzalez tie up the low end nicely. The best way to sum the songs on this offering is a more matured, polished, and deliberate sound while being as pissed off as ever.

Overall I give "Walk Through Exits Only" a 9 out of 10. Phil knocks the rust off the pipes ,as there has been no need for the shrieks on the Down material that is shown here. What Philip needed to do is have a kiss my ass album so all the doubters and haters line up to repent. He did just that with "Walk Through Exits Only".  It is very hard to put a label on the music. It is extreme for sure, though you can hear elements of many of Phil's past bands and influences. The listener can hear components of Pantera, Eyehategod, and the post hardcore crust sound. .The best I think I can come up with is that it is "Fucking Hostile" on meth x 100, with everything being very deliberate and calculated.Philip and The Illegals are definitely the torch bearing technicians of distortion.

Tracklist:

1- Music Media is My Whore

2- Battalion of Zero

3- Betrayed

4- Usurper's Bastard Rant

5- Walk Through Exits Only

6- Bedroom Destroyer

7- Bedridden

8- Irrelevant Walls and Computer Screens