CoC : Chaotic Order - Chaotic Order : Review

Chaotic Order - _Chaotic Order_
by: Alain M. Gaudrault (3 out of 5)

I'm caught between two opposing opinions regarding this demo. On the one hand, the musicianship is strong, as are vocals for the most part, the production crisp and punchy, the music reasonably well composed. This and the fact that vocalist James Rivera was formerly in Helstar are pluses, and this demo merits some accolades, but unfortunately, I find it quite derivative of a variety of other styles and in many cases, bands in particular. It's not just that Chaotic Order borrows from groups such as Alice in Chains, Pantera, and even Black Sabbath, but too often, signature sounds or passages seem lifted straight off the proverbial page. The type of metal played is generally mid-paced speed-derived riffs, choppy and chugging. Oddly, they try to inject some heavier moods with the odd growled vocal burst, minor death influences, and even some occasional double bass drumming. Of course, all of this is punctuated by the mixture of deathish grunts and growls with occasional Phil Anselmo-style posturing and loads of Layne Staley-esque harmonies. Of course, eighties heavy metal is also an integral part of the sound, which gives the music further predictability. A good listen, though.

(article published 16/3/1997)