Natalie
Chimaira- The Age of Hell
Chimaira lose half of their original line up! To most bands this would be the end, too much of a hit to recover from, the end of the line, But not if you have Mark Hunter running the operation. Losing half your band is a kick in the teeth, anyone who has watched their Coming Alive DVD may have been aware that Jim LaMarca (Bass player) was teasing his retirement from music, but to have Andols Herrick (Drummer) and Chris Spicuzza (keyboards, synthesizers, backing vocals) walk away as well was devastating news to any Chimaira fan. Reasons for their departures were mostly focussed on the lack of a future in the music business and a need to plan for the future financially, goals they could not see materialising in Chimaira.
With all this happening, I for one sensed the trigger being pulled on Chimaira, but then again I have seen a lot of bands come and go and strongly believe that all the positions vacated are replaceable with very little or no damage occurring. Don’t get me wrong they are all very important members of the Chimaira set up, but as long as you have the original vocalist and lead guitarist, basically the music creation and direction intact not all is lost. Fortunately this was the case as new members were quickly drafted in, Emil Werstler on bass, Sean Zatorsky picking up keyboard and vocals duty and Austin D’Amond on drums. All three musicians are more than capable of stepping into the fold, just google the names for their history and I am positive you will all agree.
This brings us nicely to the reason I am writing this article, the review of album number six, The Age of Hell. The very fact that Chimaira have released six albums in 10 years is very impressive, and a testament to the drive and sheer determination of the band. I am a massive Chimaira fan, I follow pretty much their every move, and when I get a sniff of a new album in the works, it jumps straight to the top of my anticipation list. And with very good reason - they consistently produce impressive work.
When I finally got my hands on a copy of The Age of Hell, I was ready to have it consume my playlist for the next month (or so), and I wish that was the case. This album is a step back for Chimaira. All the elements are there, Rob Arnold’s riffs, Mark Hunter’s focussed vocals and Matt DeVries more than capable fills and rhythm section. However, key areas are missing.
Don’t get me wrong this album is enjoyable, but not when compared to their impressive body of previous work. There is a lack of stand out moments and a loss of their excitement and energy at times. This results in too many loops and uses of the chorus. To put it bluntly, there is no real ‘wow factor’ here. I understand that this album is the result of a transitional period for the band, but I was hoping for a lot more musically.
This album will be viewed by me as a bridge to album number seven. The new members are going to settle in whilst on tour and add more, creatively, in the future. I am glad Chimara chose to swim rather than sink. 6/10.
Standout Tracks: Clockwork, Year of The Snake, Born In Blood.
Album Reviewed by Jon Gordon.
Gavin Harris - 23/10/2011 17:54:14
Onslaught Radio is operated by Plastic Box. VAT number 902 3364 57