CHAOS DIVINE – Colliding Skies (2015)

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Perhaps if you reside in Australia, you may have listened about CHAOS DIVINE. Certainly I haven’t. But judging what I hear in their new album “Colliding Skies“, this is a record that easily could put the band’s name into everyone’s mouth.
Describing themselves on their Facebook page as ‘progressive hard rock’, I’d say they weren’t too far off the mark.

Full of strong riffs, vocals both equal in screams and clean on top of melodies, “Colliding Skies” provides a breath of fresh air in this over-saturated musical market.
For a band that’s been together since 2006, it shows. There’s some tight playing on this album; a picture of a band who are sure of their own role and the guys they’re making music with. Having not heard their previous two CDs, on the strength of this, I’m sure Chaos Divine are an underrated, unknown gem.
Guitars wail, scream and shred from the double attack of Simon Mitchell and Ryan Felton. And for a band with a relatively small following and seemingly no label support, they’ve managed to make a very professional sounding record with some excellent production.

‘Landmines’ is the friendly opener. Starting off with synths and soft, calming vocals, it aptly showcases an immediate array of styles.
A crescendo feel, with the guitars shining, allows the listener to immediately relate and engage with the musical presentation.
The record has a lot of different and highly competing sounds throughout like in the gritty ‘Painted With Grey’. Screaming vocals and heavy music are distinguished with tracks like ‘Soldiers’ that provide a groovier approach. It’s contrasting, if nothing else.
‘Symbiotic’ picks up the tempo and includes some backing vocals that pack a powerful punch and equally create a bold atmosphere, while songs like ‘The Shepherd’ takes a slow pace, with the drum parts more central.
The fitting aspect about “Colliding Skies” is that every instrument is showcased in one song or another, from dynamic riffs and bass lines to stylistic vocals and superior percussion.

Tail-end moments including ‘Mara’ shows us a a brief moment of raw anger from Chaos Divine. The album contains so many different sounds and emotions within each song yet, thankfully, Chaos Divine manage to package them in a way that still provides overall cohesion.
Given the progressive influences of the band, most songs are pretty lengthy, making for a shorter tracklist overall. However, no song feels like it outstays its welcome. They’re all rather meaty and enjoyable.
This is a body of work that will take your senses on an impressive and enjoyable roller coaster ride.

“Colliding Skies” is a very consistent album, end to end, with virtually no weaker moments and absolutely no filler. Every track is strong, right through to the sax-laced mid-tempo closer “With Nothing We Depart”.
In fact, it is obvious that songcraft was the absolute focus here, with the flow, emotion, openness and memorable nature of the tunes emphasized over the exhibition of flashy chops and musicianship. Consequently, the songs breathe beautifully and stick in your head for long moments after.
It is everything a progressive album aims to be with such an array of influences still providing a skilled and consistent piece. With everything from prog metal, hard rock, some bluesy touches et all, “Colliding Skies” is aurally pleasing all the time.
Very Recommended.

01 – Landmines
02 – Badge Of Honour
03 – Painted With Grey
04 – Soldiers
05 – Symbiotic
06 – Tides
07 – Before The Dawn
08 – The Shepherd
09 – Mara
10 – With Nothing We Depart

David Anderton – Vocals
Simon Mitchell – Guitars
Ryan Felton – Guitars
Michael Kruit – Bass
Ben Mazzarol – Drums

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