Review Summary: "We have become, so god**nm powerful" Amen boys, amen.
Upon listening, it's evident that the end of Chimaira's relationship with Roadrunner and their subsequent defection to the twin titans of Ferret and Nuclear Blast has wounded the band, and like a wild beast, their pride has swelled, they've bared their teeth and jumped at the chance to prove a BIG massive point. The title 'Resurrection' conjures up Christ-like imagery; a troubled figure rising from the dead and returning in a unique and spectacular manner, and from the moment the opening notes of the title track kick in, it never feels like anything less.
With original sticksman Andols Herrick back on board, the rest of Chimaira have been given the shot of adrenaline that was sorely needed on their previous and somewhat languid self-titled album. They've headed back to the territory marked by second album 'The Impossibility Of Reason', where rather than the songs being dragged out and moving into 'epic' territory, everything is punchier, tightly focused and a hundred times more intense – all massively important factors when dealing with a metal band.
Despite that, this is now a band that's unafraid to throw a ten-minute monolith of a track in the early stages of an album. 'Six' acts as a grandiose centerpiece to this feast of genuine delight and might well be the best track the band have ever written, never once dropping short of utterly mesmerizing for its duration. Foul-mouthed vocalist Mark Hunter is on top form, bellowing his way over razor-sharp riffs that showcase Rob Arnold's development as both a guitarist and a songwriter. His ability to move from what are fast becoming trademark solos to pulverizing, extended breakdowns in the blink of an eye has never faltered, and 'Resurrection' does nothing less than cement Chimaira's position as one of American metal's mainstays and most important bands.
A powerful, and gloriously triumphant return to form.
