Various Artists - The Punisher Soundtrack

I didn’t expect the soundtrack to the Punisher to be the Nevermind of the decade, but I didn’t imagine it practically being a parody of itself. Try this exercise: take a pad of paper and make a list of recent overhyped Nu-metal bands. Now, I’ll bet you have listed Puddle of Mudd, Nickelback, Chevelle, Seether, Trapt, and Hatebreed. Guess what? You’ve named the tracklist of the Punisher soundtrack. Congrats. The soundtrack definitely succeeds in capturing the essence of the movie. I haven’t actually seen it, but I know I am safe in assuming that this soundtrack would fit it better than say, a Jane Austen adaptation. If the aformentiond bands are in your collection, then this cd will make your day. Now, if I may slip back into the role of indie-music snob…oh my lord. They are exactly what you would expect from each of these bands, and each of the tracks sound like everything else the bands have done (Except for Trapt - it is actually a power ballad). There is a track from Queens of the Stone Age, which is a disappointment and was probably a remnant from their recording sessions for which they had no plans, so they made a bit of cash money by lending it to the soundtrack. The only highlight – and I’m really stretching the definition of highlight - was the track “Broken” by Seether featuring Amy Lee of Evenescence. I think she has a great voice, and it is the type of song you can belt out by yourself in the car just like you do “Bring Me To Life” in secret. I know I am biased as someone who already doesn't have a liking for Puddle of Mudd, etc., but I wouldn't expect anyone else who doesn't to check out this album expecting to like it. I know you probably have better things to do and better things to listen to. [www.punisherthemovie.com]