To the record, somewhere amongst a mix of DevilDriver's killer second album, the menace of only the best of SYL, a touch of Morbid Angel (try to listen to that scraping lick near the end of the titular track and at the end of "Needle" and not think of MA), some Fear Factory-esque drumming and Death Metal stylings, and lotsa Pantera by way of Pissing Razors lies Chimaira's Resurrection. Even a little Soulfly creeps in with some Progressive tendencies and a nod or two to Dimebag (see the almost 10 minutes of epic "Six") and that's quite alright. Production is massive so all things are presented in fine fashion to the listener.

While Mark Hunter's voice hovers close to Jamey Jasta's, though thinner and raspier, it offers more variety at the same time. Witness spoken word a la Philip Anselmo throughout as well as a few cleanly sung passages which, while pacing things a bit, unfortunately invoke the schmaltz of Metalcore. Lyrics stray into familiar areas and can seem tired, though some mature content is on display (see "The Flame" in particular). Momentum is lost with some similar sounding songs or parts thereof, but the band finishes strong with "Empire" -- easily the best song on the album with inspiration being derived from Iron Maiden and a riff straight off a Pissing Razors record.

Whether you peg the band as Metalcore, Mallcore, or even Nü Metal, Resurrection is a fine piece of modern Metal, songs of which should win over audiences in the live setting as well as on the record. The strongest offerings here seem to book end the album with specific attention deserved for "Empire," "No Reason to Live," and "The Flame." The nearest comparison for Cleveland's finest -- Chimaira -- at this point in their career would have to be DevilDriver. And that's not a bad thing at all. Not anymore, anyway.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 51.38