Post by ruthlessAGGRESSOR on Sept 19, 2007 9:09:01 GMT -5
Rating: ****/*****
Track Picks:
Is It Progression If A Cannibal Uses A Fork?
Teeth The Size Of Piano Keys
If I Cut My Hair, Hawaii Will Sink
Intensity In Ten Cities
When Chiodos released their first full length album, "All's Well
That End's Well", they were critically acclaimed for their intense sound and frequent tempo changes; often switching from classical to metal in a single song, keeping listeners on edge at every second. Their second full-length, "Bone Palace Ballet", follows some of the same patterns, but strays away from the complex time shifts and ventures into a different sound entirely at times.
The Michigan group has included cellos, trombones, trumpets, french horns, and violins on the new 10-track piece, which is as dynamic as the previous release in a different respect. The song titles are as eye brow-raising as before, as the album starts off with "Is It Progression If A Cannibal Uses A Fork?". It dives into this hard-hitting number with ferocious guitars and a driving drumbeat, all of it kept in-line with Craig Owens high-pitched wails; it is also one of the first tracks in which Chiodos has produced a definitive chorus.
The album ventures into some poppier material, including "Lexington", which is one of the catchiest numbers on the album. The album slows a little bit on "A Letter From Janelle" and "Intensity In Ten Cities", but both tracks are personal and compelling, drawing the listener in amongst Brad Bell's impressive keyboard. His screams are also just as evident in this album, with plenty of hardcore vocals for the fans of such; on tracks such as the first single, "Teeth The Size Of Piano Keys" and the album closer, "The Undertaker's Thirst For Revenge Is Unquenchable".
Overall, the album is as good as, if not better than, any of Chiodos previous works. The group continues to take chances, and it is paying off greatly. A #5 debut on the Billboard chart has proved one thing; despite not having a radio fanbase, the band is spreading like wildfire throughout the underground scene. Watch out for these guys; with their energetic live shows, they could be the next big thing for years to come.
Track Picks:
Is It Progression If A Cannibal Uses A Fork?
Teeth The Size Of Piano Keys
If I Cut My Hair, Hawaii Will Sink
Intensity In Ten Cities
When Chiodos released their first full length album, "All's Well
That End's Well", they were critically acclaimed for their intense sound and frequent tempo changes; often switching from classical to metal in a single song, keeping listeners on edge at every second. Their second full-length, "Bone Palace Ballet", follows some of the same patterns, but strays away from the complex time shifts and ventures into a different sound entirely at times.
The Michigan group has included cellos, trombones, trumpets, french horns, and violins on the new 10-track piece, which is as dynamic as the previous release in a different respect. The song titles are as eye brow-raising as before, as the album starts off with "Is It Progression If A Cannibal Uses A Fork?". It dives into this hard-hitting number with ferocious guitars and a driving drumbeat, all of it kept in-line with Craig Owens high-pitched wails; it is also one of the first tracks in which Chiodos has produced a definitive chorus.
The album ventures into some poppier material, including "Lexington", which is one of the catchiest numbers on the album. The album slows a little bit on "A Letter From Janelle" and "Intensity In Ten Cities", but both tracks are personal and compelling, drawing the listener in amongst Brad Bell's impressive keyboard. His screams are also just as evident in this album, with plenty of hardcore vocals for the fans of such; on tracks such as the first single, "Teeth The Size Of Piano Keys" and the album closer, "The Undertaker's Thirst For Revenge Is Unquenchable".
Overall, the album is as good as, if not better than, any of Chiodos previous works. The group continues to take chances, and it is paying off greatly. A #5 debut on the Billboard chart has proved one thing; despite not having a radio fanbase, the band is spreading like wildfire throughout the underground scene. Watch out for these guys; with their energetic live shows, they could be the next big thing for years to come.