Daredevil: The Album

One wonders what Daredevil the superhero might make of Daredevil: The Album. Given his heightened sense of hearing, the costumed one would probably grab the volume control, since tinnitus-inducing modern rock is the primary fare here. Despite strong new fare from Fuel, Saliva, and Nickelback, the pairing of Drowning Pool with another cartoon character, Rob Zombie, is the clear winner on personality alone. Two cuts from newcomers Evanescence, including the song showcased in the film's trailer ("Bring Me to Life"), also stand out thanks to the dramatic vocals of Amy Lee, who should find favor with Tori Amos fans. Respites from the hard rock action round out the disc: a collaboration between Nappy Roots and P.O.D. guitarist Marcus Curiel is a rap-rock outing that actually satisfies on both levels, Autopilot Off chime in with some peppy emo, and the title theme gets a Chemical Brothers-style big beat overhaul. --Kurt B. Reighley