Chimaira
The Impossibility of Reason

THE REVIEW

After the obscure debut "Pass Out Of Existence," metal fans were not too enthusiastic about the Americans Chimaira. If only because among all possible forms of metal, they chose the worst one, nu-metal, being careful not to distinguish themselves from it.

Unexpectedly (and fortunately, I might add) comes the twist.

2003: the subsequent "The Impossibility Of Reason" lands on Earth surprising us quite a bit; electronics almost completely disappear and are relegated to mere accompaniment, making room for square rhythms ("Pure Hatred") and outbursts in blast-beat bordering on death metal (the Slayer-esque "Power Trip" and the opener "Cleansation"); admirable solos loaded with fervor and splashes of melody are tastefully sprinkled in ("Down Again").

The album's intensity often reminds me of Soulfly, especially those of "Prophecy," due to the groove and sonic experimentation: while Max Cavalera explores ethnic shores that relate to the homeland (but distinctly reach as far as Egypt), Chimaira incorporate clean vocals and melancholic touches worthy of a certain Alice In Chains-esque aftertaste ("Eyes Of A Criminal"). In this context swims the schizophrenic performance of Mark Hunter behind the microphone, gifted with both a devastating growl and a very distinctive but not the clearest clean tone ("Pictures In The Gold Room").

Everything perfect then? Five stars? Not quite, I'd say.

The second part of the work stumbles significantly, loses effervescence, and unfortunately slides downward; tracks like "Crawl," "Stigmurder," or "Overlooked" do not stand up to the first part of the album, although - and this is good news - they never plummet too deep into the muddy depths of nu-metal. Worth praising is the closing song of the album, "Implements Of Destruction," after almost an hour: 13 minutes of instrumental whirlwinds (and the sensation, at 1.20 minutes, that the record is skipping, only to be corrected a few moments later) that will delight everyone who has loved the instrumental rides of the '80s to madness (I'd avoid references at risk of lynching). Finally, worth noting is the savvy production and mixing by Colin Richardson that highlight the band's intent to destroy.

"The Impossibility Of Reason" is ultimately vigorous and fun at the same time, not flawless but honest and personal. Definitely the right work for newcomers wanting to collide for the first time with the deadly guys from Ohio.

Turn up the volume and HEADBANG to your heart's content!!