Floating in limbo between Bauhaus and metal, Sammus Theory appears to be a demo vehicle for single-named guitarist/singer Sammus, whose whiz-bang guitar work outshines his singing (photogenic though it is – he’s a ringer for Ozzy during “Answers”). Our Sammus likes Stone Temple Pilots quite a bit, as proved in the “Sex Type Thing”-pilfered “Take Your Face” (in which his voice pulls an overacted I-am-a-rock-zombie job that emulates the Scott Weiland of that period), but Sevendust-type nu-metal plays a part as well (”Lead Foot,” where he imitates James Hetfield’s rumble). Unlike the album artwork, the production is not stellar, but it’s no worse than what you’d get if a Metal Blade drone put out something that was British Steel speed. There’s potential aplenty, but Sammus needs to reach out to less familiar influences – Ministry would help immensely – if he’s to make a real run at it. Order from Amazon.com
