By Keavin Wiggins

Drowning Pool - Sinema
Label: Wind-Up
Rating:

When the "Bodies Hit The Floor" and propelled Drowning Pool into the platinum universe and onto the mainstage at Ozzfest some people got the wrong impression of the group and lumped them in with the much maligned world of nu-metal. When in fact, Drowning Pool had more in common with Pantera than Korn. Ok, I'll bite they did use some of the tired and true nu-metal elements but the music for the most part was an updated take on classic metal that bridged the two worlds of music together.

Sadly, frontman Dave Williams never got the opportunity to prove the nay Sayers wrong. The singles that followed "Bodies" did well but never reached the critical mass of their breakthrough hit and Dave's tragic passing came before the group was able to show the world at large what the group was really made of. I had the chance to speak with the group and a rep from Wind-up backstage at Ozzfest 01', at the time "Bodies" was riding high in the charts and Drowning Pool was on their way up. I asked the rep from Wind-up about the group's instant success and it turns out that it wasn't planned that way. Ironically, "Bodies" wasn't originally meant as the vehicle to launch the group. The record company threw it out as the first single to see if it would stick and attract some young fans to the group before pulling all the stops with the second single "Tear Away".

That's all water under the bridge now but fortunately Wind-Up has put together this DVD for those of us "who got it". If you're a fan of Drowning Pool than this DVD is a must have. Not only do you get the group's three videos but the DVD is loaded with a wealth of extra features that more than justify the purchase.

What's inside? Literally hours of material including live concert footage and rare home video of the group from when they were starting out in the clubs. You also get interviews with the band including old interviews with Dave and also new footage of the band speaking about their friend and bandmate.

The real bonus is the hilarious home video footage that was taken from Pantera guitarist Dimebag's personal collection. You can only imagine the mayhem Dimebag, Dave and others can get into when you mix large amounts of alcohol and illegal fireworks. The scene with Dimebag's unusual wakeup call methods that involve a roman candle will have you rolling and you'll never forget the scenes of Dave walking around naked with a diaper made of packing tape.

Dimebag even offers his own unique tribute to his friend. Other musicians who crossed paths with Dave through the years also offer their tributes including Sonny from P.O.D., David Draiman of Disturbed, Rob Zombie, Zakk Wylde, and members of Ill Nino, Adema, Seether, and Finger Eleven.

The disc is also filled with some incredible concert footage including the group's rendition of the Motley Crue classic "Shout at the Devil" and some great behind the scenes footage of the making of their music videos.

That would have been more than enough for you money but the DVD also features rare, unreleased songs as well. That alone justified the purchase for any diehard fan.

This DVD could have been sort of a morbid tribute to Dave "Stage" Williams, who died well before his time, instead it acts as more of a celebration of his life and talent. It's not hard to imagine that Dave would be very proud of "Sinema" as it stands as a testament to the man not just the rockstar that died too young. Dave lived for music and that comes through loud and clear in every frame of this DVD.

Purchase This DVD online

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