Excuse me while I try to find my face, because it was just blown off of me as soon as this album started playing. Cleveland's Chimaira is back with the all new heavy metal album Resurrection. Released under Ferret Records, the boys of the burning river district are bringing back real honest metal and helping put good old Cleveland, Ohio, back on the map.
I almost forgot what real heavy metal sounded like until I listened to this CD. I know there are other heavy metal bands out there I should be throwing props to, but I am sure some of you could at least agree with me that heavy metal is not what it used to be. So if you are a fan of Slayer and Lamb Of God and know who Dimebag Darrell was, I know you will appreciate these guys.
Formed in 1998, Chimaira has put out an EP and four studio albums, released a music DVD, and toured the world. Resurrection will be their fifth album and they plan on touring again to support it with other artists such as Killswitch Engage and Dragonforce. Once signed by Roadrunner Records, the band was released from them in 2006 and was immediately picked up by Ferret Records. Throughout the years band members have come and gone for various reasons. One member left because of an introduction to fatherhood, while another was unable to acquire a visa to stay in the U.S. — plus he had a little bit of a temper. Today the band consists of original vocalist Mark Hunter, original lead guitarist Rob Arnold, rhythm guitarist Matt DeVries, original drummer Andy Herrick, original bass guitarist Jim Lamarca, and keyboardist/sampler Chris Spicuzza.
“We have become so god-damn powerful” repeats midway through the CD opener titled “Resurrection”. With Pantera-like riffs, this song recalls why nu-metal is dead and why heavy metal will always be around. “Worthless” is the perfect song to blast when you really want to tell someone how not special they are to you. This song is heavy, harsh, and guaranteed to make whoever this song was written about to think twice about pissing someone off. “Black Heart” promises to keep the blood pumping with furious drumming and shredding guitars. “Six” was a nice surprise to listen to, especially the guitar solos. I really enjoyed how the tempo switched around and the vocals went from screaming to harmonic back to some more screaming, making it my choice track on the disc. The final track "Empire" ends the album with a classic heavy metal fade out, what a great way to silence this beast of an album.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
I may have to check this out. I saw them live many years ago and have their debut, but never kept track of them. As for Cleveland, I love Mushroomhead, who I believe are from there.
Other bands I have been getting into, for metal anyway, include Mastodon, Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Strapping Young Lad, Unearth, Killswitch Engage, and Shadows Fall, Lamb of God, As I Lay Dying.
2 - J-Man
Amen Chimaira Melting Faces and stealing babies on this new album. A refreshing expansion on an already innovative sonic expression that is Chimaira's brand of METAL! Nice work I am enjoying the operation.
3 - Claus
Chimaira is one of my favourite bands.The new album(Resurrection),in my opinion is their best to date.They have picked up the pace and anger,that they held back on previous albums.Its excellent to see that this band can still kick some serious ass!
4 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Nice Review...
I can appreciate their level of intensity but the album sounds way to slick & fast to be called "Real" Heavy Metal. I think it harnesses more of a decent Hardcore sound and that is why alot of people give props to Pantera. No offense, but, Pantera turned into a Hardcore band with a wallet. This album reminds me of Vulgar Display...which was also over produced, thus the huge reference to Hardcore.