Chimaira – The Age of Hell

Releasedate: 26-08-2011; Label: Long Branch Records / SPV
By: Sabine van Gameren

Chimaira is a band that hardly needs introduction. The Americans formed in 1998 to create some metal and anno 2011 the band comes with their sixth full length release called “The Age of Hell”.

Even though the band recently change some musicians, there is not much to notice of that yet, as these newbies to Chimaira are not really involved in this release yet. The band has nevertheless made a really strong release that will be in many metal head’s year list. Where the band starts off on the speed you may have expected the band finds some moments of rest in the music. It has a smooth flow and is it is far from predictable. This tempo changes are one of these elements that make it like that, that feeling you never know what will be coming up. The guitars are quite heavy and often surprising but the strong vocals of Mark Hunter are also a great element in the sound. As a little remark to make it may be that the band does not always come with the same dose of aggression, having a few songs they go onto a more violent tour, but the majority of the album is a little bit on ease.
For long-time fans it is clear that Chimaira yet progressed from their previous release and “The Age of Hell” may simply be their best album so far.

Line Up:
Mark Hunter – Vocals
Rob Arnold – Lead Guitar
Matt DeVries – Guitar

Tracklist: 01. The Age Of Hell 02. Clockwork 03. Losing My Mind 04. Time Is Running Out 05. Year Of The Snake 06. Beyond The Grave 07. Born In Blood (Featuring Phil Bozeman) 08. Stoma 09. Powerless 10. Trigger Finger 11. Scapegoat 12. Samsara (Featuring Emil Werstler)

Links:
Chimaira Official