HMT reviews CHAOS - Violent Redemption

CHAOS - Violent Redemption

reviewed by Grownman

I recently found this band just by chance as I did my daily walk through of new bands and titles on bandcamp. After listening to Violent Redemption, I just have to say Chaos is one hell of a band of musicians. Let's talk shop.

Chaos has a nice mix of the classic crossover style with a more modern style of playing. If you're sick of hearing bands that intentionally rip off DRI albums to give instant gratification to the ears of those who just don't know better, you've come to the right place.

CHAOS from India know how to shred!

First and foremost, the band has excellent musicianship. Secondly the production on this is bright and clear. I'd really say one of the few negatives may be the title of the album which is pretty generic.

The lead and rhythm on this entire album is on par with just about any of the Big 4's best efforts. JK's vocals are crisp, cutting and pissed. They never get completely out of hand or to the point of really taking the listener out of the songs. Lead riffmaster Nikhil's delivery is reminiscent of some of the most skilled players in the business, Dimebag and Ian to just name a few. Vishnu on Bass and Rohit on drums deliver a thrash attack on par with some of the best rhythm sections in the genre.

"Saint" is by far my favorite track on the album. It instantly brings to mind Anthrax, Slayer and Pantera all balled up in one. Nikhil's solos on the track are really a class act.

That said there are a few moments on the record where I think the band starts to get a bit repetitive. Luckily the band pulls out of those moments to display some great musicianship. "Heaven's Gate" is a prime example of where the feel of the song hits a lull and the vocal delivery starts to be too much of the same jag. The song rights itself with a really quality instrumental interlude before picking back up into the chorus at the song's close.

Overall, the band is super polished and craft songs that are worthy of being on the same shelf as the big names I've mentioned. Moments where they go out on a ledge are pretty brilliant. Some of my favorite parts of songs are where they get lost in a riff or get out of their comfort zone like the title track "Violent Redemption". With all the weapons in their arsenal it would be nice to see them break down the doors of their practice space and go exploring more in their next release.

For fans of Anthrax, Slayer and Pantera I think you'll like what you hear.

Listen to Chaos on Bandcamp