Time Signature Annihilation by the gods...

Genre: thrash/melodeath

It is true that melodeath and the related genre melodic metalcore have undergone a watering-out over the last couple of years, but every now and then bands emerge that remind us of the awesomeness of the approach to metal that characterizes this type of music. One such band is Chariots of the Gods from Canada, whose album "Tides of War" combines thrash metal and melodeath, sprinkling a bit of melodic metalcore on top.

This album reminds us that, when this type of metal works, it really works. From beginning to end the listener is treated to crunchy guitar riffs and aggressive vocals, accompanied by melodic guitar harmonies, inherited from the likes of Iron Maiden and other NWoBHM bands, and technically advanced guitar solos. Every now and then, a metalcore-like groove pops up, and, since they are used with moderation, the metalcore elements really do enrich the already pretty awesome metal music.

The production is clean and crisp, allowing the listener to pick up the bass frequencies and all details in the drumming on par with the guitars. The musicianship is impeccable and, based on this release, Chariots of the Gods really deserve to make it big in the world of melodeath-related metal.

"Tides of War" is an album that rivals classics by acts such as God Forbid, Shadows Fall, and Killswitch Engage in excellence and pays respectful homage to acts like In Flames, Arch Enemy, At The Gates, and Dark Tranquility. For my money, this debut album deserves the status as a melodeath-type of metal classic.