Chimaira – The Age of Hell

Shane | 23 April 2013 | Reply

Label: E1 Music
Released: August 2011
Reviewed by Shayne McGowan
8/10

I first heard Chimaira on their album “Pass Out of Existence”, and I really liked what I heard. I guess after that record Chimaira kind of got lost in the shuffle for me, with newer bands pushing them aside, and older bands making new music, I honestly had no idea that the band were still a going concern.

Over the years the band has had an extremely shaky line up, but after doing some research I discovered that they have still been relatively active as far as releasing music was concerned, having released four albums since I last heard of them, and now their sixth album falls in to my lap.

“The Age of Hell” is a solid NWOAHM album in its own right, easily standing up to the likes of Five Finger Death Punch and God Forbid. Opening with the title track, it smashes your face in right from the start, with its combination of crushing riffs and growling vocals.

Clockwork is more of the same, with a little clean vocal added for extra effect. Losing My Mind has a groove to the riff that will suck you in and spit you out, and is actually a blinder of a hard rock song, with a vocal harmony that instantly brings Alice in Chains to mind, and is somewhat surprising to hear from Chimaira, especially after the first few tracks.

Time is Running Out has a kick arse riff to it, and goes even further into Alice in Chains territory, while remaining very aggressive, and ultimately forming the best track of the album. Year of the Snake begins with an absolutely blistering riff, followed by chant along/growl along vocals that will leave you short of breath if you try to keep up. Year of the Snake is definitely another highlight of the album, one that delves into Pantera territory at times, and does it right.

Beyond the Grave is a moody, doomy piece, which demonstrates yet another level to Mark Hunters vocal ability. Born in Blood sounds like Max Cavalera fronting Slayer, with another Pantera-esque groove for added effect, making for another definite highlight of this record. Stoma is an interesting instrumental piece that puts me in mind of Nine Inch Nails, but doesn’t really go anywhere, and kind of seems a little unnecessary.

Powerless honestly lives up to its name a little, but just when I’m thinking that this album might be getting a little long in the tooth, Trigger Finger hooks me in again. More growling vocals here, with a huge groove over some awesome riffs, topped off with a cool lead break. Scapegoat is another highlight of the album, with its catchy riff and chorus, and final track Samsara is a blistering instrumental track which makes for a perfect end to this record.

There are two bonus tracks tacked on to the end of this album, firstly Scum of the Earth, a great track which would suit being included on a horror movie soundtrack, and Your Days are Numbered, an aggressive track, but a track that doesn’t do as much for me as others in this collection.

Overall I am pleasantly surprised by this album, and It’s now my mission to go back and explore the four Chimaira albums that I missed.

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