Land of Tears

Abandoning their doom and death metal affectations almost completely (and appropriately, for that matter), Lake of Tears take a more traditional metal approach on "Headstones." Released on Black Mark just a year after their debut for the label, this sophomore outing is a noticeable improvement upon Greater Art. The songwriting and recording is tighter, and in what would become a long-term trend for the group, the guttural chants of their prior release are refined, as more melodic vocals are used to create greater emphasis on repeating memorable choruses. This traditional, almost Metallica-like vocal delivery combined with more aggressive guitar work is an improvement for Lake of Tears. Headstones is a decent release from a group experiencing a much-needed musical evolution.

The best contemporary Shaw offering, cut in his old Mississippi stomping grounds with his trusty combo, the Wolf Gang. Lots of lyrically unusual originals - "Dunkin' Donut Woman," "Wine Head Hole," and "She Didn't Tell Me Everything," for starters - and Shaw's usual diamond-hard horn lines and commanding vocals make this a standout selection.