CHRONICLE – Memento Mori

The Danish death/thrash metal outfit known as Chronicle released this rather excellent 5-track EP last year, and I must say that I am glad that I managed to get my filthy paws on this one. While I really do like the band’s previous releases, "Memento Mori" is without a shadow of doubt their best one to date. There was a lot of potential and some great ideas on the two releases preceding this 2016 onslaught of theirs, but now it kind of feels as if the four ugly fucks that constitute Chronicle have well and truly managed to unleash all that potential and compose a vicious, aggressive, and hard-hitting slab of extreme metal that will snap your neck and leave you bleeding in the ditch.

Like I said, the music is mostly rooted in death metal and thrash metal, but I love the black metal influences that sneak in here and there as they broaden the musical landscape even more. Those influences are perhaps most pronounced and evident in "My Pandemonium", but the point that I am trying to make is that there is a stronger black metal vibe and feel to this EP compared to earlier releases. Blending different genres works well in the case of Chronicle. The musicianship is very good and these guys are obviously good at what they do. They certainly know how to write catchy songs, that is for sure. The sound of the EP is full-on and punchy, but personally I think they should have given it a slightly more organic and raw edge. Still, "Memento Mori" is like a punch in the face, and it is not as if it does not come across as convincing or anything like that. The vocals are also more varied than on previous releases and have more range to them, which is great. The thick and pulsating bass lines courtesy of Mr. Wammen are a treat to listen to and there are loads of great riffs, melodies, and solos throughout the album that sound highly inspired.

The highlights of "Memento Mori" are the memorable "Derelict" and the epic "My Pandemonium". I can well imagine them being performed live to a rapturous applause from a twisted headbanging crowd. In fact, they are pretty much begging to be played live. You ought to support these young dudes and head on over to Bandcamp where you will find all of their releases, but pay close attention to this new one of theirs as it is the most interesting and well-written output by Chronicle so far. Come to think of it, some label out there ought to sign this band now!

https://chroniclemetal.bandcamp.com/album/memento-mori