AMG Review of Potter's Field

Johnny Loftus
All Music Guide

12 Stones' sophomore effort aims to capitalize on the recognition brought by Paul McCoy's memorable chorus cameo in the Evanescence monster hit "Bring Me to Life." It opts for a more powerful, guitar-heavy sound than their 2002 debut, and demands maximum radio-friendly compression from returning producer/mixer Dave Fortman. This approach should make thick-stemmed rockers like "Speak Your Mind" and "Far Away" quite palatable to loud rock audiences, or at least those who want more from the Creed fallout than Alter Bridge. For that's what 12 Stones offers -- urgent post-grunge rockers that follow a distinct and marketable formula. Loud lead riffs balance on introspective verses, which then burst into elegiac and/or bittersweet chorus melodies that get the hands in the arena a-wavin'. Fans of Nickelback and 3 Doors Down should be right at home here in Potter's Field.