CHIMAIRA — The Impossibility Of Reason (review)

CHIMAIRA — The Impossibility Of Reason album cover Album · 2003 · Groove Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"The Impossibility Of Reason" is the second full-length studio album by US, Ohio based hardcore/groove metal act Chimaira. The album was released through Roadrunner Records in May 2003. It´s the successor to "Pass Out Of Existence" from October 2001 and features one lineup change since the predecessor as guitarist Jason Hager has been replaced by Matt DeVries.

The lineup change is however the least of it. As Chimaira grew increasingly tired of being called a NU metal band and the Korn and Slipnot comparisons wouldn´t cease, Chimaira made a conscious decision to adjust their sound and ditch the NU metal elements. They still play a hybrid sound which features elements from hardcore, metalcore, groove metal, alternative rock/metal (listen to the chorus on "Down Again" or "Pictures in the Gold Room" for proof of that), and even the occasional faster-paced thrash metal riffs and rhythms. Heavy Chugging start/stop riffs and rhythms spiced up with massive breakdowns and ultra aggressive hardcore vocals and the occasional clean vocal moment. Keyboard/electronics guy Chris Spicuzza spice the sound up even further providing the music with some layered atmospherics. One other big difference on this album compared to the early work of Chimaira is the omnipresence of lead guitar work.

Ditching the NU metal elements was arguably a good decision and although some listeners will still have a hard time appreciating the clean vocals alternative rock/metal parts of the music, Chimaira really are a convincing ultra heavy and fiercely aggressive band when they choose to be. They produce some of the same immediate heavy grooves and aggression as Hatebreed did on their contemporary releases (listen to tracks like "Power Trip" and "Cleansation" for proof of that), although Chimaira are overall a more diverse act. An example of that is the 13:30 minutes long instrumental album closer "Implements of Destruction".

"The Impossibility Of Reason" features a heavy, clear, and detailed sound production, which perfectly suits the material. Lead vocalist Mark Hunter and guitarist Rob Arnold are responsible for producing the album (Colin Richardson is credited for mixing) and they did a great job here, bringing out the best elements of Chimaira´s sound. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.
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