Posted on: January 14, 2009 Posted by: Jay NeuFutur Comments: 0

“Shine” starts out with brooding instrumentation that seems to have fury and anger bubbling with it. While there is a formal, medieval approach to the opening, this is a façade, something to lead into a bit of gothic metal that touches upon the work of a Paradise Lost or Switchblade Serenade. The most interesting thing about Chantry is the fact that they create a patchwork of styles that makes direct comparison difficult, if not possible. There are vocals that could be compared to Siouxsie and the Banshees, but the guitars feel as if they would be suited for a Helloween track.

The drums could be from any one of countless heavy, brutal styles, and when one takes these different elements together, Chantry results. This unique style melds together well and ensures that there will be something that fans of numerous styles and musical movements can sink their teeth into. “Flawed Archetype” immediately kicks listeners in the ass, with simply sizzling guitar work that does not even give listeners a chance to take a breath. The guitar work is similar in quality to that of a Tommy Iommi or Vinnie Vincent, while the drums and rhythm guitar themselves mesh into something that further highlight the impressive guitar work within. Whether instrumental or vocal, the tracks that are on “The Emancipation of Elizabeth” with give listeners an audible beating, while providing just enough finesse and polish to ensure that listeners will be thirsting for more. “Velvet Darkness They Fear” expounds upon the heavy emotional impact of Chantry as first seen during “Shine”, but with an interesting twist. The arrangement of the guitar and drums during this track play more to a Pantera or “Master of Puppets”-era Metallica, creating yet another mishmash of a track that hits on all cylinders.

In the last few months, I have found myself increasingly jaded with the metal scene. However, “The Emancipation of Elizabeth” has really given my love for metal a shot in the arm, and will ensure that I keep hitting up their Myspace to see if they put up any new tracks or performances of their music. Chantry may be the work of one man (Alessandro Monopoli), but the sound that comes forth on this album feels as if five or six individuals sat down to record this.

Top Track: Velvet Darkness They Fear

Rating: 8.1/10

Chantry – The Emancipation of Elizabeth / 2008 Self / http://www.myspace.com/chantrymusic

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