Power of Metal.dk Review

 
Chimaira
Crown of Phantoms
Rating
Style: Metalcore
Release date: 9 August, 2013
Playing time: 49:02
 

When I say exodus, you all think about the American thrash combo, but that is not what I mean here. What I'm talking about here is the departure of all the Chimaira members leaving only original member and singer Mark Hunter alone behind. Many would quit, but not Mark. He put the hands on the wheel and has together with (ex) members of Bleed the Sky, Dirge Within and Daath recorded this new album.

Don't expect a second 'Age of Hell' (2011). Sure, it still sounds like Chimaira, but this is not as melodic and with has a lesser degree of clean singing parts. Only in "Love Soaked Death" and "Crown of Phantoms" we hear some clean parts. Mark wrote a couple of brutal grooving metalcore tracks and everything is a tad heavier than the predecessor. Like always the aggressive singing style is quite understandable with the typical fuck it all lyrics... Not as melodic, more brutality and heavier, with the typical breakdowns and the groove.

A good album and I like it more than 'Age of Hell', but it doesn't top 'Chimaira' or 'Resurrection' if you ask me.

Because of the almost complete new line up:
Mark Hunter - vocals
Emil Wrestler - guitar
Jeremy Creamer - bass
Matt Szlachty - guitar
Austin D' amond - drums
Sean Z - keyboards, vocals


Tracklist
01. The Machine
02. No Mercy
03. All That's Left Is Blood
04. I Despise
05. Plastic Wonderland
06. The Transmigration
07. Crown of Phantoms
08. Spineless
09. Kings of the Shadow World
10. Wrapped In Violence
11. Love Soaked Death
12. New Apocalypse (bonus track)
Label: Long Branch Records
Distribution: Playground Music (Scandinavia)
Reviewed by: Reinier de Vries
Date: 23 August, 2013
Website: www.chimaira.com