So I have decided to take a break from bands from Sweden and now focus my attention on the new wave of American heavy metal. I thought I’d start with Chimaira. They are absolutely badass and I really wish they’d reunite but we have the music so there’s that. Here we go…..
Pass Out of Existence- here we are at their debut album and it’s a little raw yet somehow is produced well. Not sure how to describe it but in a good way. The tuning on the guitars is definitely tuned low I think they even used 7 strings on this one. Either way a great start for things to come. I give it a very solid 8/10
Standouts: Lumps, Sp lit, Painting the White to Grey
The Impossibility of Reason- this to me is one of their landmark albums. A definite classic from these guys. This would also see the introduction of guitarist Matt DeVries and less emphasis on electronic keyboards. Everything about this album is badass and once you listen to it, you’ll see why but there is a little bit of filler however, this is still getting a 10/10
Standouts: Cleansation, Power Trip, Army of Me
Chimaira- now this is how you follow up a killer record. There aren’t as many melodic songs on this one and the songs are heavier on this one. This is one of those where you can listen to the last album and this one back to back. Another killer record and another 10/10.
Standouts: Comatose, Save Ourselves, Pray For All
Resurrection- the next album would see some form of melodic singing coming back to the songs. This one to me isn’t quite as strong as the last two albums but this is still a great album regardless. Being that it’s not quite as strong as the last two, I will give this one a 9.5/10
Standouts: Resurrection, Black Heart, Worthless
The Infection- well this time around, the band decided to go with slow and heavy songs. I mean they are noticeably slower but still heavy. It’s not bad but I think I prefer the death and thrash sound they had before. This is still a heavy record and it’s a good record regardless however not as strong as the self titled or Impossibility. This is also the last album to feature bassist Jim LaMarca and keyboardist Chris Spicuzza. I give this one a 9/10
Standouts: Frozen in Time, The Secrets of the Dead, On Broken Glass
The Age of Hell- this would be the last album to have Rob Arnold and Matt DeVries on guitar and that’s really too bad. However, the album itself is a good album. Is it as good as the last one? No it’s not. Is it worth a listen? Absolutely. The melodic parts are back and parts of it are faster than Infection and Phil Bozeman (Whitechapel vocalist) guests on Born in Blood. I give this one 7/10
Standouts: The Age of Hell, Year of the Snake, Born in Blood
Crown of Phantoms- the first with almost a brand new lineup. That being said it doesn’t really feel like a normal Chimaira album to me. It’s definitely missing Rob Arnold and Matt DeVries’ guitar playing. That being said, this is not a bad record it just feels like something is missing. The songs are mid paced and Mark Hunter (the only remaining original member) does a good job as usual. I give this one a 6/10
Standouts: Plastic Wonderland, The Machine, Spineless
It’s really too bad that these guys aren’t together anymore making music. I know that they did a one off show a few years ago but come on we need a proper tour. I am definitely glad I saw them when I did because their shows were always badass. Hopefully someday they’ll get back out there.
Final Grade: A
Album Rankings:
- The Impossibility of Reason
- Chimaira
- Resurrection
- The Infection
- Pass Out of Existence
- Age of Hell
- Crown of Phantoms
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