I have heard about Chaos Magic for years, but never reviewed one of their albums before. That changes today! Chaos Magic released their latest album, Emerge, on 06/17/2022, on Frontiers Music Srl.
Chaos Magic is born of a musical writing alliance between fellow Chileans, lead singer, Caterina Nix and Nasson; who plays bass, and is also a music producer who sings vocals for the band, as well. They are complemented by one of the best drummers I have heard this year, Carlos Hernandez and Mario Torres, on guitar; with Mistheria, playing keyboards.
Chaos Magic have also welcomed guest vocalist Elina Siirala, from Angel Nation, who sings a duet with Caterina on, “Garden of Winter”. (I reviewed Angel Nation’s album earlier this year). Mistheria, plays elegant piano on “Garden of Winter”.
Interesting story here; Caterina was “discovered” by ex – Stratovarius composer and guitarist Timo Tolkki during one of his tours of South America. So, thank you Timo for all the wonderful new talent you helped emerge to the rest of the world!
The album opens with the title track, which has an interesting storytelling musical video supporting it. Eerie keyboards and programming effects greet the listener, before Hernandez’ thundering drums enter the soundscape with Nasson and Torres following closely behind. The video is a great summary of the lyrical content of the song and I think a symbolic image of the meaning of this album; for this band to emerge in the symphonic metal stratosphere. Mario Torres’ guitar solo is exemplary. Add Mistheria as one of my favorite, newfound keyboardists. His work is brilliant on this track and throughout the album.
“Beneath Your Skin”, opens with more of that powerful Hernandez’ drum blast, along with some pretty wicked Nasson bass. Caterina takes the stage and highlights the lyrics with her perfect voice, along with Nasson, providing backing vocals. Torres’ guitar solos are pure genius and Mistheria’s keyboard features are everywhere. This track also has a cool video which displays the close relationship Caterina and Nasson have developed.
“The Impossible”, is a showcase for Caterina. She really displays the full talent of her vocal abilities, as Nasson compliments her with Geddy Lee-like bass rhythm.
“Garden of Winter” is one of, if not the best track, on the album. The combination of Caterina and Elina Siirala is a dream, every symphonic metal listener can appreciate, over and over again. Hopefully they will post a video for this track someday. That would be awesome! The song itself is magic. The piano Mistheria performs is brilliant. The acoustic guitar work before the metal work starts is wonderful. The way Caterina and Elina trade off verses needs to be heard to be believed. Later, Torres’ plays more acoustic guitar; and thank you very much for that surprise. Exceptional. Time for this band to emerge!
“Hearts Gone Dark”, opens with Mistheria’s keys, but is soon turns into a metal feast for electric guitar, bass, and drums. However, Mistheria’s keys continue to build symphonic magic throughout. Caterina soars above all.
“Beyond the Silence”, opens with claps and brilliant drumming from Hernandez again. Caterina sounds wonderful. Torres’ plays one of his best guitar solos on this track.
Torres’ guitar solo, out front of “Days of Lions”, (one of the best tracks from this masterpiece), is like lightning before Hernandez’ drumming barrage. A song worthy of lions. Caterina sings, “We are on a quest to survive. These are the days of lions!” For sure! Torres’ rips out another great guitar solo later. “Can’t stop the flame from burning. Can’t stop the world from turning”. Like a return to Phantom Elite’s “Titanium” song. A new anthem for us all. Rock hard, metal symphonics!
“In The Depths of The Night”, is another solid performance for Caterina and the band. I hear a little Kandia in this track, which is not a bad thing at all.
“Victims Of Our Heaven”, is a nice ballad for Caterina and the band. Nasson adds vocals to this track to balance the sound and give it a Visions of Atlantis – male/female vocals mix.
“When If Not Today”; alright, I loved the title of this song, without actually hearing it. Then Caterina set the words on fire! Yes, why not today! Do it now. “Don’t wanna regret for the rest of my life”. Yes, indeed. One of the best tracks on the album. Mistheria’s keys and Torres’ ripping guitar help make this one special.
“What’s Your Fuel”, the closer, is a powerful song to bid you farewell. “What’s your fuel to survive emotion!”, Caterina sings. Rock it!
Every track on this album is a winner. They will have you anticipating what comes next, with each song. Add another great band to the growing symphonic metal stratosphere of stars emerging. Yes, this band has emerged! Get this people and rock on! Gene Simmons…you are so very wrong!
Track List:
1. Emerge – 5:05
2. Beneath Your Skin – 4:40
3. The Impossible – 4:17
4. Garden Of Winter (Feat. Elina Siirala) – 4:58
5. Hearts Gone Dark – 5:20
6. Beyond The Silence – 4:42
7. Days Of Lions – 4:59
8. In The Depths of The Night – 3:42
9. Victims Of Our Heaven – 3:20
10. When If Not Today – 3:41
11. What’s Your Fuel – 4:18
Social Media:
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