DIVINE CHAOS

DIVINE CHAOS     "Hate Reactor"

By Dr. Abner Mality

Here's a band from the UK trying to find that sweet spot between classic thrash and modern groove metal and doing a pretty fair job of it. I know a lot of metal "diehards" dislike bands drawing on groove and metalcore influences...often with good reason...but sometimes that's just pre-programmed prejudice. I think an honest listen to "Hate Reactor" will yield some results.

First track "Regicide" gives off a lot of MACHINE HEAD vibes....not the nu-metal MACHINE HEAD, more like the "Burn My Eyes" band. It's a good track demonstrating a solid modern sounding production, but there's better to come. The title track leans more into straight thrash, with a rubbery riff  and angry snarls from Jut Tabor. This dude is a decent vocalist, with real vitriol in his gruffer moments but also a pleasant clean vocal as well. This is where some of the metalcore influence comes in, as there are choruses that tend to be very melodic. Not my favorite aspect of DIVINE CHAOS but they do it well.

The rest of the album is a smooth listen hovering between LAMB OF GOD power grooves and more intricate work not far from modern MEGADETH. "The New Reality" and "Without A Trace" are a couple of muscular ragers, while final track "Shadows Of the Wasteland" has some cool Middle Eastern style riffs.

The big problem with DIVINE CHAOS is that it's good but not hitting that next level. A lot of it sounds overly familiar, but let's face it, that's a common problem. At least they approach their music with energy and professionalism.

DIVINE CHAOS