Resurrection (CD & DVD) by Chimaira

It seems that Roadrunner records loss of Cleveland's finest is seemingly Ferret's gain.Their second album in under two years, 'Resurrection' confirms Chimaira's status as the 21st century Pantera,all the while pushing new boundaries with this effort.The production on this release is often immaculate, certainly up there with the very best thrash releases. Frontman Mark Hunter again eschews an unstoppable force (even if the lyrics are occasionally a bit below par) and his primeval roar will render the hardest of metal heads into submission. 2005's self-titled release was all about labyrinth riffs and complex melodies,with songs often lasting well over six minutes.The electronics that often hindered elements of their debut was well and truly gone from that album, yet here they make a surprising return in the shape of jim spicuzza's decks meshing with the frenzied riffs of the title track.Guitarist Rob Arnold makes the leap from good guitarist to exceptional on this disc-the ripping pre-chorus effect on 'Black Heart'(one of the top metal moments ever) is absolutely electrifying, and the death metal-esque 'Worthless' are bolstered no end by his spectacular efforts. Credit is due to the rhythm section too, and really the only half-baked moment comes with 'Six' which is fine but a tad stretched as the longest moment on the cd. Otherwise, 'Resurrection' does what it says on the tin,and it will take some incredible albums from Machine Head and Nine Inch Nails later this year to match this.