Released from the laboratory (or labyrinth?) on March 6th, Chimaira’s new disk, Resurrection, provides a full platter of meaty metallic morsels, sure to satisfy aficionados of music that’s hard, fast, and loud. This 11-track effort by the hardcore crew from Cleveland delivers all the expected elements: corrosive vocals, relentless guitars, pulsating bass and drum beats, and lots of attitude, with a capital “A.” Keyboards also come into play, along with samples and electronic effects from Chris Spicuzza, adding texture to the crunchy mix.
In ancient myth, the chimera was a composite creature – part lion, part snake, and part goat, by some descriptions. While the band Chimaira could also be called a hybrid construction, the components in this case aren’t necessarily so startlingly diverse. Rather, Chimaira combines familiar features of speed, thrash, and heavy metal into a blended beast that retains the best aspects of its contributors while retaining its own integrity. Guitarists Rob Arnold and Matt DeVries deliver fine-tuned leads, clever breaks, and creative builds throughout the album, as seen from the onset of the title track. It’s also plain that drummer Andols Herrick has studied his craft well, as heard in songs such as “Pleasure In Pain,” wherein he alternates pummeling rolls with rock-steady cadences, in conjunction with bassist Jim LaMarca. Further diversity is found in “Six,” wherein a guitar goes briefly acoustic, permitting vocalist Mark Hunter to croon plaintively before rallying for the rant he must maintain during the surging assault that’s sure to come.
Expert production prevails throughout the disk, letting listeners hear each instrument’s contribution, and permitting most of Chimaira’s thought-provoking lyrics to be discerned. Fans who heed what they hear in the final track, “Empire,” might find suitable refrains for live-performance chant-alongs, and such opportunities could come soon for some, as Chimaira is currently touring with Killswitch Engage, DragonForce, and He Is Legend. Their Hollywood stopover will take place at the House of Blues on Saturday, March 17th (St. Patrick’s Day, aye!). And in the meantime, modern metal maniacs will discover that from title cut to closer, Chimaira’s new CD, Resurrection, is a plateful of polished pieces bound to please those with a taste for a better beast.
