CHIMAIRA
CROWN OF PHANTOMS
Evolve or die. Its a simple decision really. For a band anyway. Either a struggling or strained band can split up and cease to exist, or it can evolve and begin a new phase of existence. Luckily, Chimaira chose to do the latter. Chimaira evolved into a far stronger and tighter unit, at the price of a significant line-up change that was presented by a vast majority of the media as being the death of the band. Anyone who believed or speculated that Chimaira would actually crumble into dust due to personnel difficulties, are now forced to eat their words.
Crown Of Phantoms, is not the work of a dying or insignificant band. It is the product of an evolving bands dedication and commitment to Metal-music. In fact, Crown Of Phantoms is the strongest and most consistent album Chimaira have released so far. Comprising of eleven groove-tastic tracks, this is an all bruise no loose album from start to finish.
Kicking off with the relentless assault of "The Machine", "No Mercy" and "All That's Left Is Blood", is the perfect way to quash any doubts concerning Chimaira. The riffs are groovy and chugging enough to satisfy even the most die-hard Lamb Of God fans. The vocals spit and shred just as you would expect, the bass is driving and the drums are hammering. Whats not to like?
A brief respite from the persistent battering, comes in the form of the instrumental, "The Transmigration". However, as soon as that breath-catcher is over, its straight back to the lashing with title track, "Crown Of Phantoms". From there on, its skull imploding heaviness to the end. "Spineless", "Kings Of the Shadow World" and "Wrapped In Violence" keep the momentum going and keep the album running on all cylinders.
At the end of the day, if you like your music heavy then you will love Crown Of Phantoms. Existing fans of Chimaira will enjoy this album all the more when considering the hurdles jumped and the obstacles overcome just to have Crown Of Phantoms released in the first place. A solid album by a now solid band.
Crown Of Phantoms, is not the work of a dying or insignificant band. It is the product of an evolving bands dedication and commitment to Metal-music. In fact, Crown Of Phantoms is the strongest and most consistent album Chimaira have released so far. Comprising of eleven groove-tastic tracks, this is an all bruise no loose album from start to finish.
Kicking off with the relentless assault of "The Machine", "No Mercy" and "All That's Left Is Blood", is the perfect way to quash any doubts concerning Chimaira. The riffs are groovy and chugging enough to satisfy even the most die-hard Lamb Of God fans. The vocals spit and shred just as you would expect, the bass is driving and the drums are hammering. Whats not to like?
A brief respite from the persistent battering, comes in the form of the instrumental, "The Transmigration". However, as soon as that breath-catcher is over, its straight back to the lashing with title track, "Crown Of Phantoms". From there on, its skull imploding heaviness to the end. "Spineless", "Kings Of the Shadow World" and "Wrapped In Violence" keep the momentum going and keep the album running on all cylinders.
At the end of the day, if you like your music heavy then you will love Crown Of Phantoms. Existing fans of Chimaira will enjoy this album all the more when considering the hurdles jumped and the obstacles overcome just to have Crown Of Phantoms released in the first place. A solid album by a now solid band.
Thank You For Reading!!
Feel Free To Comment Or Ask Any Questions!!
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This reviewer's opinion is right on the money. Crown of phantoms is awesome . What a comeback . Chimaira fans should rejoice. This band should receive kudos for their tremendous efforts to keep Chimaira going. Mark Hunter deserves all credit for his dedication and perseverance. Mark is a badass!!!
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