the Chariot-Long Live

If i were tasked with reviewing each album by the Chariot in the number of words contained within the album's title, an attempt might run as follows:

Everything is Alive, Everything is Breathing, Nothing is Dead, Nothing is Bleeding: Feedback; double-bass drumming; chaotic metalcore; killer debut album; better than most.

Unsung EP: Pretty OK

The Fiancee: Weird; excellent.

Wars and Rumors of Wars: Songwriting is better; heavier; grand.

Long Live: Their best.

i have not been tasked with this job, though. Instead, i could ramble on about Long Live. Brevity, however, has been a hallmark of this band from their beginning. Heck, their entire discography  would clock in under 3 hours for four albums and an EP. Still, after this album, i hope the Chariot stays around for a long time.

i like to think that this album, Long Live, contains the best elements of their previous work, refines them, and produces a messy, beautiful, weird, emotional, and heavy album which is a unique listen to say the least. We have the feedback and chaos of Everything, the weird instrumental/interlude parts which were featured heavily on Fiancee, and the songwriting of Wars. Still, Long Live is its own beauty and beast.

Some of my favorite tracks include "The City," "Andy Sundwall,"  "David De la Hoz," "The Heavens," and "Robert Rios." Of course, each track is incredible in its own right. To my ear, Josh has really improved his lyrics, the band have improved as musicians, and the random snippets of sounds serve to elevate the songs, not just to be weird for the sake of it.

Overall, i cannot claim to be unbiased; i have been a fan of the Chariot since the debut album. Many people will simply write the band off as unorganized noise. When one looks beyond the initially grating and perhaps unpleasant (to some) style of music this band plays, however, one can find great art.

Long Live is to be released on November 23, 2010. Unfortunately, no vinyl release is planned at this time. However, the band has mentioned that they are working on songs for a 7", so hopefully we can get them on wax at some point in the near future.