Perhaps there is no other metal vocalist more iconic or well-known throughout the world (disregarding Ozzy Osborne) than Philip Anselmo. From his time as the frontman for the Texan-bred groove metal act Pantera to his numerous bands since, Anselmo has no lack of projects to choose from for his new record.
This time, apparently, we will be able to hear a new release from Philip H. Anselmo and the Illegals, following up their 2013 record Walk Through Exits Only. The band’s sophomore set, Choosing Mental Illness as a Virtue, has just been announced for a January 26 release via Housecore Records in the U.S. and Season of Mist elsewhere.
“It ain’t pretty,” Anselmo exclaims. “It’s more straightforward and cohesive to a degree, but it still goes off the rails here and there. We went through it song after song cut and fucking dry. I was in a specific mindset. I wanted to further my endeavors into a genre of music that I adore. As all ten songs blow by, I wanted an unforgiving feel. This is what was on my mind. It’s a recorded capsule of time.”
Choosing Mental Illness as a Virtue came about following a successful maiden touring cycle with the Illegals. Anselmo apparently hunkered down at his Louisiana home studio and recorded the album throughout the entirely of 2014 and 2015. Through rigorous rehearsals and writing sessions, a framework for the new music took shape as Anselmo wholeheartedly welcomed the ideas of his cohorts.
As is always the case with Anselmo, the sophomore LP comes with its own set of braggadocios hype from the frontman himself. “Choosing Mental Illness As A Virtue is going to get hated. It’s going to get loved. Like every record I’ve ever done, I put zero expectations upon my peers, critics, or the general fucking public,” Anselmo said.. “If you take one thing away from it, let it be this: Do not bog yourself down to one brand, character, or whatever. Have the guts to spread your wings and fucking flourish. I can promise you this is a beginning. As my music trickles out over the next two years, it’s going to be quite the roller coaster ride. This new ILLEGALS is just the tip of the whole fucking avalanche.”
In addition, the band released the title track as a lead single to accompany the announcement. It’s pure Anselmo, with no-holds-barred aggression over classic head-banging material with driving guitar licks and double-kick drumming.
Check out the album details below.
Choosing Mental Illness As A Virtue Track List
1. Little Fucking Heroes
2. Utopian
3. Choosing Mental Illness
4. The Ignorant Point
5. Individual
6. Delinquent
7. Photographic Taunts
8. Finger Me
9. Invalid Colubrine Frauds
10. Mixed Lunatic Results
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