Kingcrimsonprog
From the menacing opener `Cleansation,’ to the final instrumental number `Implements of Destruction,’ there are no weak moments on Chimaira `s 2003 breakthrough album The Impossibility of Reason.
Every song is of the same high quality, with boundless energy and the perfect attitude its no surprise that this album became the darling of a lot of magazines back when it was new. Its important to note however, The Impossibility of Reason is more than just a flavour of the month release from 2003 however, this album is a bone fide classic and has truly stood the test of time, loosing none of its appeal or impact.
Heavy, bouncy groove metal breakdowns mix with the frequent virtuosic guitar solos, outstanding drum breaks and singer Mark Hunter’s excellent mix of high and low vocals. Even the song structures are noteworthy on this album, far more interesting than those of many of the band’s contempories.
Drummer Andols Herrick is really something special, his unconventional style sees him employing beats you would never expect to fit under the riffs, rolling on the ride cymbal and large sections of songs will often feel more like a drum solo than a bridge.
The Title track is one of the finest moments in the entire Chimaira catalogue, as is `Pictures in the Gold Room,’ in fact its difficult to choose stand out moments because this album is faultless from beginning to end.
The album also features the singles `Powertrip,’ and `Pure Hatred,’ which have been present on the set list of basically every Chimiaira concert ever since and also the more radio friendly number `Down Again.’
The only real flaw on this album is that the lyrics are not particularly great, especially when you consider how excellent a lyricist Mark would become with newer songs like ‘Left For Dead,’ and ‘The Flame.’ If you are willing to let this go there is not much you won’t enjoy about this record.
Everything you could want in a modern metal album is present and accounted for here on The Impossibility of Reason and if you like Chimaira you really have no excuse not to buy it.