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By JEFF MAKI
When members of Dimmu Borgir venture off for musical side projects, there's reason to get excited (see The Kovenant). Shagrath (Dimmu vocalist) and Nagash (former Dimmu bassist) have put together the so-called "biker metal" band Chrome Division. Nagash has since left the fold, but joining Shagrath are bassist Bjorn Luna (Ashes To Ashes), drummer Tony White (Minas Tirith), lead guitarist Ricky Black and vocalist Eddie Guz (The Carburetors).
What we get with Doomsday Rock 'N Roll is just that. This album is filled with dirty, old-school hard-rockin' metal reminiscent of classic Motorhead with the attitude of The Misfits, Turbonegro and '80s hardcore. What makes this album special is the high level of talent with which it is performed. Guz's vocals are similar to Motorhead's Lemmy Kilmeister but are a perfect fit for Chrome Division. Shagrath' and Black's guitar playing proves they are true talents. They churn out chunky riffs, melodic playing and awesome, memorable solos. Party anthems like the opening track, "Serial Killer," "Trouble With The Law" and the band's ode to themselves, "Chrome Division," are hard-hitting, memorable and, most of all, fun. This is where the Turbonegro comparison comes in. Chrome Division are here to have a good time, and it shows through their music. They know they are a little over the top and don't take themselves too seriously. It's all about the attitude. The tempo is fast, in your face and rarely lets up. The closing track, "When The Shit Hits The Fan," sounds like a band on a mission with its hardcore influence and shout-along chorus.
Who would have known that members of Dimmu Borgir could put together something this far removed from their band? That it's this damn good shows how diverse metal musicians can be. Early comparisons likened the band to Black Label Society or Motorhead. While this is true to some degree, especially with Motorhead, the album also has a lot in common with the Misfits, Cro-Mags and Turbonegro. It's the punk rock influence that brings the attitude and fun to this album, making for an outstanding release.
www.chromedivision.com
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