Chimaira - ‘Chimaira’ (Roadrunner Records) Released 08/08/05

 

 

‘Chimaira’ is the third album from the band following their breakthrough album ‘The Impossibility of Reason’. As well as being a cracking album, it is also good value for money with a bonus CD featuring six live tracks taken from the DVD ‘The Dehumanizing Process’. If you buy this album you will need to set aside some serious listening time because this album needs repeat plays.

 

There are some wonderfully ferocious songs on this album and opener ‘Nothing Remains’ is one of them, dark and meaty with vocalist Mark Hunter’s tortured roar and fantastic solos from Rob Arnold. The gentle opening chords of ‘Everything You Love’ belie the meat feast that follows. With 6 minutes and 17 seconds of song, the band take their time and play around with the structure before ending how they begun.

 

‘Bloodlust’ is guitarist Rob Arnold’s favourite song of the album and Gigwise can see why. Musically complex as well as hugely enjoyable, put this one on repeat. ‘Left For Dead’ is another corker with unusually good lyrics for a metal song. ‘Salvation’ mixes heavy riffs with melody; the chorus of “salvation” sounds like the noise is being torn straight out of Mark’s chest. The epic seven and a half minute closer ‘Lazarus’ is, according to Mark Hunter, the most personal song he has ever written. Dedicated to a friend that committed suicide, the meaningful lyrics are matched by the powerful music.   

 

If you rated the meatiness of this album against the grill section of your typical pub menu, this would be a mixed grill. ‘Chimaira’ is an epic album that doesn’t disappoint and is an absoloute must for your metal collection.