ALBUM REVIEW: CHARIOTS OF THE GODS

Hailing from Canada and describing themselves as “Melodic Death-Thrash with nuances of Metalcore” you have to wonder if these guys are joking around, or can they really deliver? No worries…These guys are completely fucking serious.

From the intro track “Overture” all the way to the final “Annihilation of the Gods,” Chariots of the Gods deliver an unrelenting sonic assault with the solitary goal of making your brain bleed, and bleed it shall.

The title track “Tides of War” is an anthemic kick in the balls. I can’t understand a fucking word Renaud Jobin says, but that doesn’t stop me from putting my fist in the air, banging my head, and yelling, “Hell yes!” when it comes on.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwNosEF-4zY]

Renaud Jobin (vocals) is incredible. I don’t know how long his voice will hold out, abusing it like he does, but give the man props. He’s sacrificing himself for his art.

No review of this band would be complete without mentioning Dimitri Gervais (guitar) and Mathieu St-Amour (guitar), who deliver some blistering technical guitar work throughout, but it’s Rich O’Neil (drums) that really shines on almost every song.

Track after track, one thing is apparent: Chariots of the Gods are masters of their craft. At one point, they even throw in a little piano at the end of “Ambrosian Wings” for good measure. You know what? It works.

If I must find one flaw with this album, it’s this: at only 48 minutes long, I want more! Also, to the casual listener, the songs all tend to run together without (many) obvious breaks. So, before you know it, the groove is gone. That aside, honestly, when it’s this fucking good, who cares? Put that shit on repeat.

This is the best “Melodic Death-Thrash with nuances of Metalcore” I’ve ever heard, and I’m gonna go expand my collection.