My first introduction to #chevelle was at 10:30a on a gravel lot in Kansas in 2002 when the trio opened the 2nd stage of #ozzfest. I wasn’t a big fan of #numetal in the late 1900s/early 2000s so I gravitated to the post-grunge Rock & Metal. Disturbed. Cold. Dope. Flaw. Rob Zombie. That lead to bands like Ill Nino, Drowning Pool, Seether, and Chevelle.
Its great to hear new music from a band that I’ve been a fan of for so many years. Pete sounds as strong as ever. I can imagine Sam absolutely losing his shit behind the drum kit while recording Bright as Blasphemy, their 10th studio album.
The band sounds just as powerful as they did 20 years ago. I can close my eyes and see the guys in snapshots from each of their eras playing these tracks live. That’s both astonishing and leaves me wanting more.
We’re starting to hear PALE HORSE, RABBIT HOLE, and JIM JONES live on their current tour. Leading with those 3 openers feels a bit safe to me. They stopped just short of taking a chance on leading with more experimental cuts.
HALLUCINATIONS builds tension until it finally pops during the last verse. I’d love to hear it live.
WOLVES (LOVE AND LIGHT) has the classic Chevelle style. It sounds masterful and crunchy.
KARMA GODDESS follows the familiar formula that we’ve all come to love. Its aggressive and punchy, which leads perfectly into the soothing guitar plucks of BLOOD ON THE FIELDS. Pete’s voice sounds full of sorrow and regret telling this story.
AI PHOBIAS has a dance-y vibe that melts into heavy guitars and crashing symbols, while SHOCKED AT THE END OF THE WORLD smashes hard. It was a great pick as album ender.
Overall I’d rate the album an 8/10. Its definitely a CHEVELLE album. The familiar heavy riffs, smirking vocals, and memorable beats that have kept fans engaged. I’d like to have heard a more experimental take while the band continues to grow.
CHEVELLE – Bright as Blasphemy
8/15 via Alchemy Records
https://getmorechevelle.com/
