I have had a listen to the various albums from Silverwolf Productions that have dropped through the door before sending them out to review and have been struck by the quality of the groups on the label. I have however not really expected to do any reviews of their artists myself as they have been mainly of power, traditional and progressive orientation and there are writers who both enjoy these styles more and are much better informed on them than me. That was until Chasowave arrived and I gave them a spin. I instantly knew that I liked this but then again was not immediately hooked. The reason for that was due to the fact that this is a very complex album with lots going on in it. It is an hour in length and needed repeated plays to get to grips with it and that in my book means it is an album that has staying power and succeeds in keeping the listener intrigued and no doubt one that will stand up to the test of time.
This is the groups second album and apart from a Danish guitarist they are all Italians. They have shared stages with Entombed, Testament, Epica, Mercenary, Hatesphere and Opeth making it pretty clear that they have a far ranging appeal. Metal Archives describes them as ‘Progressive/Groovy Metal’ and states they sound “like a strange mix between Nevermore, Meshuggah and Lacuna Coil.” This is not something I particularly agree with but can see where they are coming from with it. Also, as you have no doubt guessed by this they have both a male and female vocalist.
Solid chunky instrumentation takes us into ’10 Years Of Denial’ which thrashes away borne by harmonic and well delivered clean vocals from Fabio Carta. This has a distinct modern edge to it and a clean sharp production courtesy Andy LaRocque. Raphael Saini’s drumming immediately stands out too being particularly impressive. The melody should have already won you over it is strong and memorable instantly and you are all too aware that after a few spins you are going to be singing along. Female vocals are not at the forefront but suddenly after the flailing leads on ‘Fork Tongues And Foul Times’ they are very evident both up front and adding harmony in the background.
By now I was really scratching at the old grey matter trying to establish just who they did remind me of and why I liked this so much and after deliberation came to the conclusion that it is totally underrated Peaceville band The Provenance that perhaps they most closely resemble. This notion is enforced when the heavy croon and gentler instrumentation and vocal interplay breath in the more ballad orientated ‘A March For Dying’ a number full of emotion and depth.
With 12 tracks, although there is none that particularly stand out, this is more to do with the fact that they are all of exceptional quality. The instrumentation and vocal lines here are well thought out, complex and involving. This is a great disc to press play and sit down comfortably to, well aware that you are going to be entertained and not have any reason to move for the next hour, except of course from limbs twitching in time to the music.
http://www.myspace.com/chaoswave
http://www.chaoswave.it
