Chimaira - Crown of Phantoms

*****
Chimaira hit back with their best album yet!!!

I think Chimaira do not get the credit that is due, 'Crown of Phantoms' shows this band off at it's best and should put them up in the ranks of bands such as Machine Head and In Flames. Opening number 'The Machine' is a classic Metal number that has Industrial guitars and a killer twiddly guitar solo in it, the thing I like most about this song is the incredible vocals by Mark Hunter who really screams out the lyrics with precision and great dynamics. There is hints of In Flames in this song but where I think In Flames fire has gone out recently Chimaira has a fresh new tint to their sound.

They continue this on with 'No Mercy' where they have taken influence from modern sounding Metalcore bands in and really taken the inspiration to add to their original sound. 'All that's left is Blood' has a slightly back dated Nu-Metal sound to it but it is topped with Hardcore Esq. vocals that have a Metal hint and great intensity. This is a great solid album and every track is great and needed to be played at  full volume.

One of my favourite tracks off this album is the creepy 'Plastic Wonderland' which is really easy to get into. The title track 'Crown of Phantoms' to me isn't one of the strongest tracks on the album but it has a good commercial edge to it. The 2011 release 'The Age of Hell' was a good view at what was to come to me but wasn't quite their 'Crown of Phantoms' is a record that has far more to offer and does it offer it, I think it does it with pure adrenaline and force.If you like your music heavy then you will love this, it's for fans of Pantera, Machine Head and Lamb of God well worth buying.

Review by Dan Devour 

Check Out! the Video for 'No Mercy' Below...