This CD is very different from other Chimaira music and is discernible from the rest. Overall this disc is well produced and the songs written with an intensity that only Chimaira can produce. It is one of those albums where you know who the artist is as soon as they start to play. It is a great addition to the Chimaira catalog.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2011 Volume 6 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
The Age of Hell
The first song and title track, “The Age of Hell,” starts off brutal, as you would expect nothing less of Chimaira. This song has super-fast technical riffs that just pound their message into your head.
Clockwork This starts almost immediately after the first song and has both great melody and lyrics. Vocalist Mark Hunter really shows his professionalism throughout this tune as he belts out lyrics such as "I want to fly and leave this world behind.”
Losing my Mind The drums in this song have precision and speed to really make them stand out. This is a well choreographed track with a good mix of vocals and little touches that definitely make it a great listen.
Time is Running Out This cut talks about losing one’s passion and being "sick of making the same mistake.” It features nice and catchy sliding style riffs. Good background vocals will remind you of Alice in Chains.
Year of the Snake This is one of my favorites on this CD. You can sing along to most of it and it sounds really good in the small confines of the car. It has a lot of great distortion and the guitar just rips through you.
Beyond the Grave Here is one of the slower (if you want to call it that) songs on this CD. I would almost call it a ballad. "I am not meant for heaven or hell, what waits for me beyond the grave.” This is a deep song, lyrically.
Born in Blood This tune sounds the most like their older material; very brutal and a little raw.
Stoma When listening to this song it has a sort of melancholy feel. Musically it is put together very well.
Powerless Here is another of their slower songs (again, if that's what you want to call it). It is also somewhat anti-religion, if that surprises you any.
Trigger Finger This is another favorite as it has some catchy riffs and lyrics. I can see this song being the favorite of most fans.
Scapegoat The drums at the beginning of this are insane! Major energy is put into beating those skins. This tune really spews the hate that you would expect from Chimaira.
Samsara Only after time can a band produce sound quality such as this. This is beautifully written and has some of the most technical guitar sounds I have heard from an American artist. It is a long song full of instrumentals.
You'll find concert pics of this artist in the Music Street Journal members area.
You'll find an audio interview of this artist in the Music Street Journal members area.
