Review Summary: Chimaira bring back the metal to the draq queen infested masses of the U-S-A.
The year is 2007 and the Cleveland powerhouse, Chimaira have returned to top form with this gut punching album. Their last album was a bit of a disappointment to many, with many reoccurring problems that set the band back for awhile. Chimaira wasn't necessarily a bad album, it just lacked some aspects that made their earlier albums so fun to listen too.
Part of this could be attributed to their drummer change. Long time drummer Andol Herrick had left the band only to be replaced by a rather well known drummer by the name of Kevin Talley, famous for his work in Dying Fetus and Misery Index. He played well, but the chemistry wasn't there. Also, the industrial effects were used to a bare minimum, further developing their sound into a straight up metal album with heavy guitar riffs, blazing solos, speedy drumming, and Mark's harsh vocals. This was a good album but failed to capture Chimaira at their best. However, with Andols back on board, the band chemistry had returned and have released a solid piece of modern metal. Bringing back the industrial elements from their earlier days along with the aggression with their self titled disk, Chimaira have released a monster of an album, surpassing everything they have done in the process.
Mark Hunter - Vocals
Matt DeVries - Rhythm Guitar
Rob Arnold - Lead Guitar
Jim LaMarca - Bass
Andols Herrick - Drums
Chris Spicuzza - Keyboards, Samples, Backup Vocals
Resurrection is Chimaira's newest album after signing to a new record label by the name of Ferret Records. Unhappy with their past label, Roadrunner, who was more than happy to oblige, Chimaira stormed off to create the best album they could made. The rage and frustration from that split can be heard immensely throughout the course of the album. The opener, "Resurrection" demonstrates the struggles Chimaira have endured from their past. The music video of this song recalls of man’s simple pleasures in life, revolving around women, fighting, and gambling. Spewing the lyrics, determination, perseverance, resolution, resurrection, Chimaira have been reborn. Songwriting skills are as tight as ever, creating an anthem for the downtrodden in "Resurrection". The band have brought their A game to the mix, as everybody plays to full capacity. The new found aggression and overall better feel to the disk can be credited to the whole band contributing ideas into the music instead of relying one or two people.
Guitar riffs hit hard with a heavy emphasis on creating a groove ridden platform for the drums, electronic work, and vocals. The guitar work is solid between Rob Arnold and Matt Devries. They create pit stirring riffs every time, treading at the mid tempo level only to play at a slower pace, complete with Pantera inspired breakdowns. Plenty of Chimaira's signature guitar solos can be found scattered about on this disk. All are well executed and leave a longing effect on the listener. Drum work is solid thanks to Andol's return. Numerous fills and double bass patterns cement the blue print of the album although somewhat lowered into the mix. Electronic work is astounding. After reducing the industrial sound from the last album, Chimaira realized they made a huge mistake. And so, Chris Spicuzza goes to town here. Laying out the keyboard runs and samples in dramatic fashion, but not to the point of overshadowing the guitars or the sound in general. A good example with the samples would be with “The Flame’ when it opens with a woman screaming then being clubbed. Chris adds a few new elements to the mix. Traces of Black Metal can be heard throughout the intro of "Empire", one of the many highlights of the album.
What has kept this band on top of the modern American metal scene for so long is the voice from the deranged Mark Hunter. Mark has always had his own unique style of harsh vocals that sets this band apart from many other bands. He displays viciousness and pent up aggression into his signature roar. Like the lyrical content, his voice is full of hate and has enough power to command an audience to fight to the death. Lyrically, Chimaira don't stray too far from what they're accustomed too. Swearing can still be heard to an extent, and the focus on negative imagery still remains although now, some of these songs talk about standing up for your self. He does show us his clean voice on occasion. Whether or not he is a good singer, this can be debated later on, he does the job extremely well. His clean voice, not necessarily singing at times, is most primarily featured on the track "Killing The Beast". It's hard to believe that his clean delivery on that track is almost as sinister and pissed off as his screams. Bass work is pretty low in the mix. Bass seems to find the back seat of the bus on this album unsurprisingly.
Production was handled by the extremely talented Jason Suecoff. He has overcome his disabilities and became a well respected individual in the music business, producing albums from Trivium to Devildriver. Jason has a good hand on this album while leaving the signature Chimaira sound intact. Vocals rage, guitars are loud and clear, drumming is solid while not being in front, and the keyboard and sample work retains a haunting atmosphere. All in all, Chimaira have released a top notch album cementing a great year for the Metal community. Those who are sick of that breakdown driven trash like August Burns Red and As Blood Runs Black can find solace with this slab of vicious metal. Although the American metal scene is slowly dying out with fashions, trends, and unoriginality, Chimaira are still releasing solid music for the masses.
Pros:
-Mark is deranged as ever, spilling out hate with a great vocal performance.
-Guitar work is solid, solos entertain and riffs are packed with enough groove.
- Musicianship and songwriting skills within the band is tight and craft thought out song that blend catchiness with aggression.
Cons:
- Bass is nonexistent.
- Swearing might turn some off, although I love it.
-Drum work is lower in the mix but still effective.
