CIRCLE OF CHAOS – Crossing the Line
- Posted on 18-03-2014
Blurring the styles of thrash and melodic death, Sweden’s Circle of Chaos on their second full length album "Crossing the Line" present a quick hitting 10 song, 33 minute record that doesn’t let up for any commercial aspirations. At times coming across like an early Destruction recording for the jackhammer-oriented title cut and then punishing in a swirling In Flames meets Hatesphere way on "Tear it Down", there’s nary a second to catch your breath before another speed tempo or twisted riff sequence aurally sweeps hair from every fiber of your being.
Problem is, as a vocalist Julian ‘Julle’ Bellenox has one of those hoarse, caustic scream-patterns that most will leave well enough alone rather than semi-tolerate, rendering otherwise catchy material like "Blood for Blood" and "Sign of Insanity" interchangeable. His voice is better suited for Hatebreed, not a thrash/death hybrid, and I hope this is something Circle of Chaos take into account for I think this limits the band long term appeal. Such a shame as well, because guitarist HG Hogström unleashes some tasty complementary lead breaks against punishing, addictive riffs for "What Is Life" and the follow up "Ascending Disorder" that go toe to toe in elite professionalism.
Maybe "Crossing the Line" will meet your varied tastes – for me this will be a ‘once a month’ outing and not a regular in my rotation.