Cleveland-based metal band
Chimaira have come a long way since their excessively nü-metal-damaged debut album. They've transformed into an extremely heavy groove metal outfit, playing riffs that fall somewhere between
Hatebreed and
Pantera, with vocalist
Mark Hunter barking and roaring with occasionally surprising power. Guitarists
Matt DeVries and
Rob Arnold work well in the unison sections, occasionally cutting loose with squealing solos that seem indebted to
Metallica's
Kirk Hammett and late
Pantera axe-slinger
Dimebag Darrell in more or less equal measure. Drummer
Andols Herrick's mastery of the double-kick drum and his ability to keep rhythms both relentless and subtle make sure the pit never stops moving. This deluxe set contains two DVDs -- one a three-hour documentary on the band, and one a live concert performed in their hometown -- and a CD of the same concert. The set list focuses on their most recent album, 2007's
Resurrection, but also includes lots of material from their previous discs on Roadrunner. The band and the audience are clearly in sync throughout the show, with a packed house of fans cheering wildly for every anthemic chorus and thunderous breakdown. ~ Phil Freeman