Chalice - Lost Connection
Chalice are death/thrash group from Belgium that have been around since the early 2000s and their music definitely shows it. Taking a pretty standard approach to churning death metal that is akin to groups like very early Sepultura and adding in some more thrashy groove elements like that of Soulfly. Their 2nd EP "Lost Connection" is a very brief, but satisfying glimpse into their world. The EP is only 2 tracks which feels little disappointing by EP standards (usually listeners want a little more tracklist length- let’s say at least 4- to really give the band a chance) but the two tracks here serve their purpose.
The opening track is pretty standard riffing with a bit of high pitched snarl mixed with a lower grunt and a somewhat hazy atmosphere, but the speed never really lets up while adding in extra groove for a standard death thrash track. 'Why' though might be a little tongue in cheek for the group as listeners may ask “Why just 2 tracks…?” Ultimately, it shows the scope of Chalice’s work that can be heard on other full length debuts but it doesn’t really present anything new to those that have heard more adventurous bands who do a little more with their work.
The second track 'Dwelling' however is where the band really adds depth. Gone is the catchy thrash riffs and enters a very doomy, haunting melody with clean vocals that are a bit more tasteful than the mid paced shriek. Shortly after the band goes back to its old fashioned sound, but just this little addition elevates Chalice to more than ‘just your average death thrash.’ The guitar works sounds a bit more agonizing and mournful which works very well with the clean vocal delivery. The only downside is that the bass and drums tend to get lost in the mix as they take the focus away from the other instruments.
Ultimately, this saves the EP from being a complete pass and hopefully with the next full length Chalice will utilize these doomier efforts to great effect to broaden the scope of their regular death thrash assault.
2 / 5 STARS
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The opening track is pretty standard riffing with a bit of high pitched snarl mixed with a lower grunt and a somewhat hazy atmosphere, but the speed never really lets up while adding in extra groove for a standard death thrash track. 'Why' though might be a little tongue in cheek for the group as listeners may ask “Why just 2 tracks…?” Ultimately, it shows the scope of Chalice’s work that can be heard on other full length debuts but it doesn’t really present anything new to those that have heard more adventurous bands who do a little more with their work.
The second track 'Dwelling' however is where the band really adds depth. Gone is the catchy thrash riffs and enters a very doomy, haunting melody with clean vocals that are a bit more tasteful than the mid paced shriek. Shortly after the band goes back to its old fashioned sound, but just this little addition elevates Chalice to more than ‘just your average death thrash.’ The guitar works sounds a bit more agonizing and mournful which works very well with the clean vocal delivery. The only downside is that the bass and drums tend to get lost in the mix as they take the focus away from the other instruments.
Ultimately, this saves the EP from being a complete pass and hopefully with the next full length Chalice will utilize these doomier efforts to great effect to broaden the scope of their regular death thrash assault.
2 / 5 STARS
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1. Why
2. Dwelling
2. Dwelling
Self released
Reviewer: Colin McNamara
May 1, 2020
May 1, 2020
Next review:
Theophagist - I Am Abyss
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