Walk Through Exits Only
by Philip H. Anselmo & the Illegals
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Kerrang!
    Aug 14, 2013
    80
    While the songs are eclectic, they're all united by a shared sense of intensity. [13 Jul 2013, p.52]
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  2. Alternative Press
    Jul 30, 2013
    80
    Dense, chaotic and ugly, every track challenges the listener to make it through the stormof noise in one piece, refusing to do anything the "easy" way. [Aug 2013, p.84]
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  3. Boston Globe
    Jul 16, 2013
    80
    Despite his place among metal royalty, Anselmo remains a convincing outsider, partially because he doesn’t exclude himself from his own rants.
  5. The Quietus
    Jul 16, 2013
    80
    There's little in the way of light and shade--certainly nowhere to relax--and that's probably the intention, but as a piece of heavy music--in a music industry where it would be very easy for Anselmo to play it a little safe--it's as daring and as experimental an album as you're likely to hear all year.
  6. Exclaim
    Jul 16, 2013
    80
    The end result is even more unhinged than expected, taking the underground approach of his many side-projects over the years, adding Pantera grooves and staying miles away from anything approaching Down in sound.
  7. Spin
    Jul 16, 2013
    80
    Walk Through Exits Only might not be a comeback in the way we're used to hearing one, but damn if it doesn't feel like comeuppance.
  8. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jul 23, 2013
    70
    There's no lioght, no shade, no nuance, no reflection--just a sheer onrushing, hurricane force. [Aug 2013, p.85]
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  9. AllMusic
    Jul 16, 2013
    70
    While Walk Through Exits Only might not be in the wheelhouse of a lot of Pantera fans, it's nice to see the frontman expanding his horizons with a little metal mayhem.
  10. Q Magazine
    Aug 20, 2013
    60
    It's an ugly brute of a record too, but one you can't stop looking out. [Sep 2013, p.100]
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  11. PopMatters
    Aug 13, 2013
    50
    Self-produced with the assistance of Michael Thompson and recorded at Anselmo’s own Nodferatu’s Lair, an outsider’s ear may have been of great benefit to Walk Through Exits Only, as Anselmo’s aim for this album, though admirable, lacks the control and clarity of songwriting necessary to warrant repeat listens.
  12. Consequence
    Jul 18, 2013
    50
    It’s great hearing Anselmo unabashedly projecting his aggression, but Walk Through Exits Only lacks variation, making the 40-minute runtime too long.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. semechma
    Jan 4, 2014
    10
    The combination of Phil Anselmo on vocals and Marzi Montazeri on the guitar propels Phil Anselmo and the Illegals into the upper stratosphereThe combination of Phil Anselmo on vocals and Marzi Montazeri on the guitar propels Phil Anselmo and the Illegals into the upper stratosphere of in your face metal. Anselmo is at his career peak on this album and is more than capable of giving Panteraesque growls, screams and injured wolf howling about his frustrations of life.… Full Review »
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