Coal Chamber - Rivals Review

Band: Coal Chamber
Album: Rivals
Label: Napalm
Genre: Nu-Metal
Country: US
Release Date: 25th May 2015

I haven't updated this blog in quite some time and I wasn't feeling inspired to do so. That was until the new album dropped from Coal Chamber. This is a band many considered to be everything that was wrong with Nu-Metal back in the day and while I can understand this to a point - they did fall into the ridiculous image, only a few good songs category - I think it's fair to say, that anyone who stuck with the band until their spectacular and very public implosion in 2003, knows that they were not just also-ran, Korn copyists and had succeeded in developing their own distinct sound and song writing style. Would they have had the longevity of "peers" such as Korn and Deftones if they hadn't spilt? Doubtful, but if they hadn't, we probably wouldn't have the awesome DevilDriver and we certainly wouldn't have such hype and anticipiation for a new album. 

So, on to the album. Was it worth the 12 year wait? Does it live up to the hype? and most importantly, is it any good? The simple answer is yes, yes and a resounding YES! I don't think many would argue that Coal Chamber have ever released a consistently good album, yet alone a classic, thus far, so my expectations for Rivals were kept reasonably low. Yes, I was expecting a decent tune (I.O.U. Nothing delivered that) or two, but other than that, I was waiting for the usual filler songs and the sound of a band desperate to sound like it's still 1997.

Here's the thing. The album DOES sound like a throw back to the "glory days" of Nu-Metal (which is to be expected), but it is also the heaviest and most groove-laden record the sub-genre has produced, likely due to the time Dez has spent fronting the mighty DevilDriver. OK, so the crunchy, rumbling bass-heavy riffs may sound a little outdated, nigglingly familiar and dare I say, repetitive, at times, but taken as a whole, Rivals is a bloody good Metal record and one which falls on the right side of heavy - It will appeal to fans of modern Groove Metal, yet will still please those who don't want to be challenged and who are simply looking for a dose of good old-fashioned nostalgia. Then there are the songs. Aside from the 1:12 second interlude, Orion, there is pretty much no filler here and at 45 minutes long the album never feels like it drags. Quite the opposite, in fact - you are left wanting more. This is what Rivals does right -  it delivers one punchy, catchy song after another and it is filled to overflowing with memorable riffs and big choruses (well, as far as this genre goes). If you are or have been a fan of the band, this album is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, put a spring in your step and a little nod in your head. The warm glow of a wasted youth that seemed so far away, will wash over you again and the songs will stick in your head.  If you're anything like me, you will have the album on repeat for days and you'll be singing (growling) along on the way to work before you know it. Simply put, Rivals is a triumph. It certainly can't be considered to be a cutting edge contemporary Metal record, but it is a "comeback" album that does exactly what you want it to do - It recaptures the feel of the good old days, while managing to sound (fairly) fresh into the bargain and let's face it, what nore could you ask from Coal Chamber and the much-Maligned Nu-Metal sub-gnre in 2015?!

Total Playing Time: 45 minutes

Overall: 8/10

Tracklist:

I.O.U.  Nothing
Bad Blood Between Us
Light In The Shadows
Suffer In Silence
The Bridges You Burn
Orion
Another Nail In The Coffin
Rivals
Wait
Dumpster Dive
Over My Head
Fade Away (Karma Never Forgets)
Empty Handed
Worst Enemy

Official Website: http://www.coalchamberofficial.com/