Review Summary: A passable attempt at metalcore that unfortunately fails to resurrect a genre that is long since dead.
During my time exploring the internet, I subject myself to all different kinds of music, and thus I am no stranger to metalcore, one of the unfortunate accidents of music. More specifically, I am no stranger to this kind of formulaic, and dare I say it... stagnant mediocrity. Before you get the wrong impression, I actually do enjoy this album and the genre is one of my favorites, but in the past I have failed to find a single melo-death band that really sets itself apart from the growing crowd, Chimaira being no exception, just slightly more competent.
Musically, Chimaira is like any kind of metalcore you've ever heard, gritty, palm muted guitars infused with violent melodic stabs and bends with a backdrop of stormy drums and chaotic atmoshperes. Mark Hunter, is no exception to the metalcore stereotypes either, feauturing a rather bland scream and an unrealistic sounding growl. For the most part, the music is comprised of these pitifully overused elements, but there are still several moments of glory that salvage this album and actually make it worth listening to.
"The Venom Inside" is probably the greatest album-opener I've heard in wuite a while, feauturing a stunning melody/intro that could make any melodic death metal band jealous. Unfortunately the next four tracks are rather bland until you hit "Impending Doom" which is quite possibly the best track on the album. "Impending Doom" sports a dark and dank atmoshpere that reeks of post-apocalypse. The song itself is littered with gloomy sounding guitars and raspy whispers and an excellently conceived chorus. Although nothing else on the album even comes close to "Impending Doom," "Broken Glass" and "Destroy and Dominate" are worthy metalcore tracks.
Altogether, "The Infection" is a rather forgettable album, but I would say that its definitely worth a listen or two.
Three bitter remnants of the virus-induced apocalypse out of five.
Recommended Tracks-
"The Venom Inside"
"Impending Doom"
"Broken Glass"
