There are a few sacred maxims of heavy metal that most sane, career savvy bands would never dare violate.

1. Never alter the sound of a successful band.

2. Never, under any circumstances change lead singers after a successful album (unless Bon Scott asphyxiates on vomit.)

And then there's Drowning Pool, boldly spitting in the metaphorical wind by going through lead singers like underwear (one deceased, the other canned) and shedding their pro-wresting theme facade. Now they return with their third album, Full Circle, featuring third lead singer Ryan McCombs. 

The phoenix rises the 2nd time on Full Circle, which showcases Drowning Pool's new marriage of beefy down-tuned guitar riffs and melodic acoustic balladry with some post-alternative metal wedged in the void. Fear not, die-hard fans, Full Circle is still chock full of plenty of good ol' fashioned Drowning Pool, thanks to "Enemy," "Soldiers," "Duet," and the title track. However, four tracks deep there is the sudden prevalence of acoustic guitar and vocal melody on "Reborn." At first one would assume that Full Circle's token ballad is safely in the rear-view, but wait...those devious bastards immediately lay another one down with "Reason I'm Alive." This double-shot is by no means a bad thing, just slightly shocking coming from the band who's last album cover was a Satanist porno star wielding a Louisville Slugger. "Reason I'm Alive" not only sounds better than the preceding song, but also features a killer guitar riff for those who aren't feeling too mellow. The remainder of the album is a mix of raw Nu-Metal, slower numbers and Alice in Chains influenced metal on "Upside Down." Drowning Pool then take a victory lap with the love it or hate it cover of "Rebel Yell."

The new and improved Drowning Pool take full advantage of their secret weapon, lead singer Ryan McCombs, who is equally adept at crooning through ballads and screaming like a banshee. McCombs certainly has the Nu-Metal clichés down pat, but enables the band to delve into more melodic territory if need be. Full Circle still sounds like a Drowning Pool album should, but the influence of more tuneful artists and new personnel let the band tear down some previously restrictive sonic barriers.