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Review: CHAIN REACTION “Vicious Circle” – in Search of True Road
Auðra
CHAIN REACTION is a rather young Polish thrash/hardcore metal band formed in 2002. The actively playing band had only one EP album called “id” in its discography up till now, which received good evaluations according to the musicians. The LP album “Vicious Circle” released by the band in 2007 is reviewed here, on ferrum.lt.
 The listener is met with intensifying heart-like throbs and guitar sounds coming from afar. Soon the music gathers fast tempo, and songs of changing rhythm intertwine thrash and hardcore metal influences. Some solos more typical of heavy metal may be heard occasionally. “Everlasting Fear” and “Worlds of War” pass in a moment trying to guess the influences of bands of the eighth or ninth decade. Even though it would be difficult to name particular favourite bands of CHAIN REACTION, my ears catch some intonations of the early METALLICA and the “broken” rhythm borrowed from PANTERA. The manner of singing suits the music well though.
The song “Inner Struggle” slows down a bit and becomes heavier, the sound acquires more hardcore notes. “Slave” ends with a rather unsettled chord, while the energy of the first songs of the album is restored in the song “Disbelief”. Drums and PANTERA-like guitars are brought forward in the song “Phantom of Life”. “Freedom” may be pointed out for a better perfected composition. Meanwhile, “Strong Words” by which the album is completed, is not that strong for the end.
The record of the band is rather good, perhaps only the drums should sound more prominently and intensely. The clear priority is given to the vocals and guitars. There are some beautiful episodes of variation with the voice, guitar solos and instrument combinations. Still, the uncertainty of the band regarding its road may be sensed occasionally. It seems in many songs that attempts are made to turn in one or another direction without finding a clear road. Still, one should remember that the album is one of the first recordings of the band. I believe that, having concentrated on the search of unity, the musicians will surprise listeners in future.
Rating: 6.7/10
CHAIN REACTION “Vicious Circle”
2007
1. Intro
2. Everlasting Fear
3. Worlds of War
4. Values
5. Inner Struggle
6. Slave
7. Disbelief
8. Phantom Life
9. Stark Reality
10. Freedom
11. Strong Words
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