KHAOS – Risen (2014)
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Almost two years after the release of their critically acclaimed debut EP Rising (presented here), KHAOS, featuring terrific singer Chandler Mogel, are releasing tomorrow October 20th their full length CD “Risen“.
The EP was a good preview about the quality of Khaos’ music, but this new effort has really surprised me.
The band has indeed “Risen”, as this material is much more melodic, melodic hard rock oriented I’d say.
While the EP was sonically quite modern and pretty heavy, “Risen” is a completely different beast.
The first half of the CD is plenty of breezy melodies, mostly mid-tempo melodic rockers, while the second part Khaos finds some room for more elaborated compositions with a bit of progressive.
And works really well, balancing a complete and solid album.
“Risen” it’s mostly a showcase for Mogel’s vocal skills, which are phenomenal across this album. The New Yorker lead vocalist (also for Outloud) performance throughout is simply formidable. His incredible range dominates the record going from low octaves to superb multi-part harmonies.
The rest of the band including Jorn bassist Nic Angileri are tight as unit and glue to provide a solid foundation.
The disc opens with “After The Silence”, starting with a lone guitar casting its evocative narrative around ears before welcoming a slow pulse of rhythms and the shadowed tones of the bass. It is a strong coaxing added to by the fine vocals of Mogel assisted by similarly impressive harmonies. With flames of intensity and melodic endeavour throughout the provocative canvas of the song, it swirls emotionally and creatively across the senses with resourceful imagination and tenacious passion, the guitar of Rossi especially engrossing when given clear scenery to colour.
Next “Crisis Factor” comes with more dynamic hard rock sounds plenty of groove, with a great guitar work.
“Exalted” follows, a ballad of sorts, anthemic maybe, taking Khaos back to their AOR melodic rock roots, and the melodies are excellent. A highlight song which reminds me the recent Steve Augeri solo work.
Up next is the kicking, uptempo hard rocker “Loaded Question” with upfront vocals, groovy riffs and powerful drums and bass. “End Of Daze” is in the same vein yet more melodic hard rock infused.
With “Merchants Of Chaos” the band starts to exploring other territories, and quite interesting. This mid-tempo elaborated song has some progressive arrangements bringing to mind Queensryche 1990. Moguel shines here, and the cut is another highlight.
“Ride The Chain” returns to the harder sounds, but as said, this second part of the album is more expansive and the songwriting more varied.
“Imagined Danger” and “Static Windows” have some metal edge and energy, while “Hung The Moon” is a modern semi-ballad in the mould of the latter Harem Scarem, which moves smoothly rising upon the superb vocal arrangements.
“Risen” is a very solid, elaborated and entertaining first CD from Khaos. It mixes melodic hard rock, modern sounding hard rock and progressive in the vein of Queenryche circa 1988/92, all crafted with terrific vocal arrangements.
It could be groovy and catchy, but also meaty and edgy. Surely the second part will grow on you with repeated listens, but believe me, it’s truly awesome material.
All was recorded under the direction of Rolf Munkes at his Empire Studios in Germany (Empire, Majesty, Razorback, Tony Martin) and mastered by music legend and award winner Tom Coyne at Sterling Sound in NYC.
Highly Recommended.
01. After The Silence
02. Crisis Factor
03. Exalted
04. Loaded Question
05. End Of Daze
06. Merchants Of Khaøs
07. Ride The Chain
08. Hung The Moon
09. Imagined Danger
10. Static Windows
11. As Far As We Go
12. The Breathing Room
Chandler Mogel (OUTLOUD) – vocals
Mark Rossi (TRIBAL) – guitars
Nic Angileri (JORN) – bass
Trevor Franklin (ELIS) – drums
BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00MV3TU28
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