Review Summary: Promising first EP from the metalcore/groove metal with a little hint of nu-metal band.
This Present Darkness was the first major release for Cleveland metal band Chimaira. At the time of release of the EP, the band had a different line up than on later release such as The Impossiblity Of Reason and Resurrection. This mainly consisted of a different bass player (Rob Lesniak) and guitar player (Jason Hager).
The EP has been released twice. First in 2000 (and is now out of print) and then again in 2004 as a bonus disc for the band’s first dvd “The Dehumanizing Process”. For this review I will be using the re-release version as it features a number of additional tracks.
The first thing that strikes the listener is the difference in the band’s sound compared with that heard on later releases. As the EP was released in 2000 it contianed some influences from the Nu-Metal movement that was occurring at the time, which is noticable ina few tracks.
The opening track, which also happens to be the title track, begins with some samples and synths and almost tribal style beat which are all used to create an eerie atmosphere. The riff that follows about 45 seconds later is a typical metal chugging riff, however it works well following on from the intro atmosphere. When the vocals enter the style used by the vocalist Mark Hunter is that of a mid ranged scream. This fits the band’s style well, however as this is nu-metal the lyrics are pretty poor and revolve around depression and darkness, although overall the lyrics fit well with the instrumentation.
The middle of the song features a synth interlude by Chris Spicuzza and acoustic interlude by the guitarists. This serves as a good breaking point as up until this point the same riffs have been used and helps to prevent the song from becoming stale.
First time listeners of this EP may recognize the track “Painting The White To Grey”. This is due to the fact that it also appears on the band’s first major release “Pass Out Of Existence”. This is one of the better songs on the EP in terms of instrumentation, featuring a good main riff which is both catchy and heavy and will stay stuck in the listener’s head. However the track suffers again from poor lyrics, which revolve around similar themes which were explored on the first track.
This is a common theme throughout the album and is definitely the weak point. But, in all honesty, Chimaira’s lyrics have never been their strong point. They are more instrument-orientated band and the vocals and lyrics are just there as another percussive addition. Whilst the lyrics are average, Hunter’s performance throughout the album is solid, and does occasionally feature clean vocals, which helps to bring some variation.
The riffs featured in most of the songs are more groove over technicality. This is also notable in the fact that absolutely no solos or lead parts appear on the album. This approach definitely works well with the band’s vocal style but some tracks would benefit from solos or leads to liven them up and give the listener some new elements to listen for.
The addition of synth and a solid performance with some good double bass patterns and fills from drummer Andols (see the middle seciton of "Divination") also help to bring more to the tracks.
“Silence” and “Gag” are both strong tracks on the EP which offer some catchy moments. Particularly the opening section of “Silence”, which features a crushing palm muted riff following a good drum/sample intro.“Gag” is also worthy of mention as it is one of the heavier songs on the EP and again features a good intro riff featuring pinch harmonics, which also makes numerous appearances again through the track.
Another common theme that runs throughout the EP is the combination of a good introduction, followed by the rest of the track being more or less the same as the preceding one. This may be an element of the album which disappoints some listeners and prevents replay value.However, the band are not all doom and gloom and this is shown in the track “Satan’s Wizard” which is a tongue in cheek black metal song complete with high pitched vocals.
The production of the album was handled by Ben Shigel at Spider Studios and he has done a good job. All the guitars and drums are of a suitable level, not too loud or too quiet and the guitars have a good heavy tone but are still clear enough to make out the riffs. However the same cannot be said for the bass, which is not very prominent.
After reading the review it may appear that This Present Darkness is not worthy of your attention. While to an extent this is true, it does have its merits. The riffs featured are catchy and certain tracks contain good groove moments. The drum and sample performances, whilst being nothing ground breaking, are solid and help to bring the material to a higher level. The album may not appeal to fans of Chimaira’s later metal based output, or those whole dislike Nu-Metal elements, but it is a good album to put on if you want to have some no-brained head banging fun.
In conclusion, I would not suggest this as the first place to start listening to Chimaira, but it is a good reference point for seeing where the band started from and how their material has evolved and occasionally shows some of the promise that was realised in the band’s later releases.
Pros:
-Catchy Riffs
-Synth/Sample Parts
-Drumming
Cons:
-Poor Lyrics
-Lack Of Bass
Recommended Tracks:
-This Present Darkness
-Painting The White To Grey
-Silence
-Gag
