Another Animal

Another Animal was an American hard rock supergroup formed in 2006, born directly out of the Godsmack recording sessions for their album IV. When Godsmack frontman Sully Erna encountered writer's block during those sessions, the band's rhythm section of guitarist Tony Rombola, bassist Robbie Merrill, and drummer Shannon Larkin continued writing on their own, eventually accumulating nearly 40 songs. With far more material than Godsmack could use, Rombola, Merrill, and Larkin recruited vocalist Whitfield Crane of Ugly Kid Joe and guitarist Lee Richards, Godsmack's original guitarist who had also played with Dropbox, to complete the lineup. The band released their self-titled debut album in October 2007 through Republic/Universal Records and toured the US in support. Another Animal blended the groove-metal weight of Godsmack with Crane's soulful, melodic delivery honed through years with Ugly Kid Joe and Life of Agony. The project was active from 2006 to 2008 with a brief reunion in 2011, representing one of the more interesting side ventures to emerge from any of its parent bands.