Hello Everyone JB BROCK here with you today, and WOW, have I got a killer NEW CD Review for all of you!
First in today's blog review I bring to you the extreme sound of Arch Enemy & their new record "KHAOS LEGIONS." This record is the first from Arch Enemy since 2009 and it (in this writers and reviewers opinion) is there strongest album to date! Khaos Legion paints a very vividly colorful portrait of where we are now within our society and, where we may be headed, should things continue on the path they are currently on within our world.
Track #1: Khaos Overture: The first track here is what really sets the story of this album in motion. From the beginning you hear the guitar build into a frenzied crescendo of sounds and as the drums take over and come more into play you feel the energy, the tidal wave that is coming, the sounds of life reigning out of control, the sirens that are whaling in the background, it is all building into that moment when society and the world are about to rip apart as the powder-keg of the world's instability is finally ready to explode, then a brief respite of silence, as you listen to the message at the end painting for you first hand the impending danger looming and what is and will be rising from all of the aftermath, this is KHAOS LEGIONS!"
Track #2: Yesterday is Dead and Gone: As this track opens you realize from the Intensity, that quite literally, the doorway to HELL itself has now been opened and what is streaming and spewing forth is making its way across the world at break neck speed with intensity the likes of which have never been witnessed or seen before on this planet, in this modern day world society. The screams of those burning in the fires, those who never had a voice before when they were alive, those who have suffered for so long, have now been given the power to finally unleash all of their pain, hatred, anger, aggression and torment, the power is so black, and dark, with so much fire and heat, it just consumes you and won't let go. Simply put, Yesterday is Dead and Gone.
Track #3: Bloodstained Cross: This track is just a straight to your face direct hit of pure metal fury. Listening along you can now feel the power of Armageddon as its reaching heights never before seen, the sirens in the beginning were and are your warning as to the danger coming forth your way, the world is becoming more and more enraptured, with the Khaos Legions, as they are assembling, and the great war of humanity is about to begin. Those of the religious sects and beliefs, only have a "Bloodstained Cross" to cling onto as they themselves are swept away, even with what they believed would save them from this war. The great battle of this world begins to take shape. A moment of more silent and tranquil reflection comes in to play, sort of as a calm before the storm starts to erupt again. Are you ready?
Track #4: Under Black Flags We March: As this track starts and comes into full volume you can feel the quietness of the Legions coming together and the forming of the battalions eroding away. The guitars themselves paint the picture coming forth once again. The drums themselves paint the rest of the story, that the Khaos Legions have now amassed and are now beginning to make their way forward all while "Under Black Flags We March." The lines have been drawn, the sides have been chosen, the war is now starting. The few of those of Humanity as we know it today, are the ones who are quickly turning and joining the Khaos Legions or will fight and become part of the resistance to try and save humanity and its ideas, their deaths while sad and unnecessary will be unfortunate collateral damage as all wars before them have brought. The sound of this song builds the momentum.
Track #5: No Gods, No Masters: We listen closely as there is no one spiritual being or entity to help us. The message of this song, is not to rely on the so called "GOD" or "GODS" above, or even religion to help or interfere in anyway within your own life and personal struggles. We, I and You, have all been placed here on this Earth Planet, in a form of "HELL ON EARTH" if you will, as a proving ground, to see just what we are made of and to test us as well as to what we as Humans are made of. As we listen to the main chorus of the song "I am who I am, take it or leave it, a rebel at heart, No Gods, No Masters, My Time Has Come." Will you be the master of your own destiny, or will it be of your own destruction?"
Track #6: City of the Dead: With this track, we are welcomed back to that place that most of us have visited or have been at, at one time or another, or are currently within in our own personal lives. We listen to the haunting voices of ages of time itself calling out from the depths of the past, at the beginning of the track as we take that first step back into our own souls and into the recesses of our our own minds. The music kicks in, like a gunblast to a light switch and turns on the lights from the darkness we have been walking through, within our own individual lives, with the many things that have either, caused us pain, and as some of us may have caused pain to others, we now see what has happened and start to see the aftermath of the destruction we have and may still continue to create or that has been created for not only ourselves but one another. Will you rise from the "CITY OF THE DEAD" and make your way above back to the living?
Track #7: Through the Eyes of a Raven: The music itself on this track is very dark and forbidding even by Arch Enemy's usual standards. It is definitely great to see them expanding their musical creativity to new heights and extremes, (I myself) am highly impressed to see them take their creativity musically and sonically this far. This track seems to talk of the humanity and essence of humanity that has been lost within our society currently. Just as black as a Raven's feathers are, this track speaks to the evil and destruction that seems to follow mankind. It is truly an excellent track, a definite highly recommended track to listen to with a surprise twist at the end, a moment of reflection if you will. "Let the Raven Strike!"
Track #8: Cruelty Without Beauty: As we are now within the actual body of the record we come to a place where the great battle is raging at full power musically. There are not much in the way of lyrics here, but as for what there are, they paint a picture of the creatures of the Khaos Legions speaking to us as they fight, we can hear from the lyrics if you will, the thoughts of the fighters as they battle, almost sharing one collective mind, all while each individual voice screams out in pain, anger, torment, horror, and agony. The power here is truly immense and chaotic. Hold on everyone as we go further into the battle, prepare to see first hand the price of war that is waged, "Cruelty Without Beauty."
Track #9: We Are a Godless Entity: We are now at a moment on this record where we find an instrumental moment complete and divine. This is where we are in the minds of all who are fighting for humanity and for other causes. This is the moment of shell shock you see soldiers and warriors face in the heat of battle within the war. This is where the battle itself slows down into a slow-motion state and you can feel your heartbeat, and sense everything around and amongst you, as you take a 360 panoramic view while catching your breath. However its only for a moment as we dive back into the war, the music here is truly beautiful for this moment. Another great track indeed.
Track #10: Cult of Chaos: Hold on everyone, we are going right back into battle. On this track the music here is nothing but machine gun fire hell fury. Listen to the battle cry, "WE ARE LEGION." The rounds are exploding the speed is intense, the war is at 110% full power. There is no turning back now you must fight to live, or stand your ground and die! You can only "BE AS FREE AS YOU CAN BE." Here the calls from the battle commanders being called out, protect everyone you can, hold you ground men, do not let up, do not back down, keep fighting, bring hell to the enemy! An excellent track here indeed, with moments of pure musical magic, that Arch Enemy have been known for, and they do not disappoint here!
Track #11 Thorns In My Flesh: We are now hitting on all twelve cylinders, there is no letting up now, the guns are firing, the bombs are going off, the music is coming at you at a crazy unheard of speed, its just relentless. The shrapnel is coming as fast as possible soldiers and warriors are being ripped into and apart, there is blood everywhere. You soldier though will not back down, "YOU CONTROL YOUR DESTINY." The battle is raging onward. Musically it is incredible the picture it paints, this song is one of Arch Enemy's finest.
Track #12 Turn To Dust (Instrumental): For now we reach the precipice of the battle the smoke is now starting to clear. We now start to see just where we have come from and the destruction we have laid within our wake and that has been laid before us. Now we see the apocalyptic winter wasteland before us, sadly it is not over. The music on this track is as beautiful to listen to as it is haunting in the picture that it paints.
Track #13 Vengeance Is Mine: One final battle, this is for all or nothing. The speed here is at break neck super strike levels, and now you must win, everything else is lost, this is the moment when you must lay it all on the line, they are counting on you soldier. This is your chance to set all that is wrong right! You have the key, the road is clearing, your sights are set, take careful aim, and fire when ready. May the Heavens above watching make sure to guide your shot straight and true for battle and glory, for this battle will determine everything! Here the call "VENGEANCE IS MINE!" Musically crafted as another metal masterpiece, the sped and fury know no end.
Track #14 Secrets: We are now at the end of this war. But there is something that all of you should know. "I HAVE A SECRET I JUST CAN'T TELL, I HAVE CREATED MY OWN HELL." Does that sound familiar to you? Is the battle we have just fought the true apocalypse, or is it the war we wage everyday with one another, or even personally in order to live and to survive? We all have "SECRETS" & Skeletons within our own closets. How will you let them control you or over take who you are? Will you? Will you battle them? Will you win or will you lose? Are the Secrets you hold within even that meaningful? Only you have the answer!
Well everyone I hope you have enjoyed the journey thus far on Arch Enemy's newest album "KHAOS LEGIONS." In this writers opinion, this is a truly remarkable album, and a personal best from Arch Enemy and crew. I (myself) cannot wait to see them live as they head out on full tour to support this album. Hopefully they will be coming to a town near you, and if they come this way, well you know I will be there to capture every moment of it, and may even talk with Arch Enemy if possible!
Keep the Metal alive everyone, and until next time \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/ HORNS UP!!!!
- JB BROCK
No comments:
Post a Comment