Post Thrash Metal has taken a step back in the last few years.  Except for a few bands that dabble with it that maintain the limelight (LAMB OF GOD, CHIMAIRA for example) most of the newer bands have taken to other forms of Metal.  So when I began listening to CHAIN REACTION’s debut album, “Vicious Circle”, I was slightly surprised.

Now CHAIN REACTION isn’t a straightforward Post Thrash Metal release either.  It deviates from the structure quite a bit at times by incorporating a lot of classic Heavy Metal moments and even a sprinkling of Death Metal for kicks.   But the true heart and soul of “Vicious Circle” is the Post Thrash groove that the band never loses throughout the entire album. 

It’s hard to deny the groove even in the beginning once those heavy chugging riffs start flowing.  Partner those with very prominent and influential bass lines and a drum structure that gives the focus to the groove, and we have the basis of a good album for this kind of band.  And the band does incorporate this solid foundation and then layer it with some interesting leads and a few solid solos (although these could have even been pushed further a bit).  

My favorite part of the album is their latest vocalist, Barton.  He does a very good Post Thrash scream without going too much into the barking that later became a staple for the Metalcore scene.  Spoken parts, some screechy squeals, and an overall just pissed off sound dominate the majority of the album and he does a great job with really complimenting the music.  It’s nice that they finally found a vocalist they were comfortable with.

It’s a solid album but not great by any means.   Most of the song writing is good but it feels as though the band plays it safe the further into the album one gets.   There are some awesome rhythm sections and a decent amount of technicality when it’s needed – but I still got the feeling that the band wasn’t throwing their best upfront.  

Then consider this: the band has no label and was still able to put out this album.  For a self release, the production, mixing, and overall quality of sound for the album is great.  Had a label given these guys a little more support so that they could focus more on song writing and less on paying the bills then this album could have been the next big thing.

Songs to check out: “Worlds Of War”, “Values”, “Phantom Life”.

(Online March 4, 2008)