Chevelle : "Bright as Blasphemy"

Of all the bands that wanted to be Tool in the late 90s, Chevelle did it with the most emotion. They did it so hard that eventually they found their own sound. Pete Loeffler has denied that they are a metal band, but the song does punch with a dynamic intensity. The mix is very in-your-face, so I can understand how they might be mistaken for a metal band.  When we are comparing the hooky style of songwriting that is the band's standard, that includes songs like 'The Red" that set the bar for them. This is a reasonable expectation to have. His voice takes on more of a whine on "Rabbit Hole". 

"Jim Jones has a more purposeful riff, and despite his attempts at overwrought vocal caterwauling, it still all flows together. "Hallucinations' works for what it is. 'Wolves" is a better song, and if this were the only Chevelle song you heard, then you might be more inclined to think of them as a metal band. The verse riff is a metal riff without question. There is a more Rage Against the Machine-like groove to "Karma Goddess." The vocals on the chorus do not punch as much as their earlier work, but the bass and drums are working like a machine to compensate. 

"Blood Out in the Fields" sounds like an idea for a darker A Perfect Circle ballad that never got finished. " AI Phobias" has more groove and purpose, making it one of the album's best songs, as everything falls in place perfectly. The last song has all the stomp you could ask for from these guys and great lyrics. I will give this one a 9.5, one of their strongest efforts that fits nicely alongside their first few albums, even if it does not have the big arena rocking hooks. 

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