by Greg Prato

Let's face it, there was quite a massive void left in the metal world after Pantera went down for the count in 2003. But in their wake, there are quite a few up and comers that were happy to step in with a similar style and full of Dimebag Darrell-esque guitar heroics and Phil Anselmo-style manly man vocals. One such band would be the Philadelphia, PA-based quintet A Life Once Lost. Their 2007 release, Iron Gag, will certainly appeal to fans of the power metal genre, a style that is about as in-your-face and unapologetic as it gets. Heck, even some of the song titles would've fit snuggly on a vintage Pantera release ("All Teeth" and "Detest" etc.). As evidenced by such heavy duty rockers as the album opening "Firewater Joyride," "Worship," and "Ill Will," the Ozzfest generation has a new band to worship.