Metal Monday: Chain Reaction

posted in: Features • Rock

With the advent of so many new metal sub genres in recent years, the prospect of finding a band that can be considered “pure metal” or just “metal” is a bit rare. Luckily, Polish band Chain Reaction have found a way to straddle enough sub genres to avoid being pigeon-holed into just one. From groove to thrash to progressive, Chain Reaction boasts every metal style under their belt.

The band recorded their first LP (Vicious Cycle) in 2007, just one year after releasing their “id” promo, though Vicious Cycle wasn’t released due to their lack of a label for support. The next year and half saw the band touring almost non-stop around Poland and surrounding countries. By the time early 2009 rolled around, the band signed with a label (Kolony Records) and released Vicious Cycle that March. This past May, the band released their second full-length album Cutthroat Melodies.

The most prominent sound among Chain Reaction’s songs are groovy thrash riffs akin to bands like DevilDriver, Lamb of God or Chimaira”but that would be selling the band short of their varied sound. The only part of the band’s sound that remains somewhat constant throughout each song are the booming vocals of Barton Szarek. Somewhere between a yell and an enraged growl most of the time, Barton’s vocals really bring the styles of the band together into one strong and cohesive sound. While their music doesn’t necessarily show a massive amount of virtuosity, the songwriting is pretty good and there aren’t any weak links in the band. All in all, Chain Reaction have found a unique metal sound that will make you want to move.

Dare to disagree? Check out some tracks below:

On the off chance you’re located in Estonia, Latvia, or Germany you can catch Chain Reaction on one of their upcoming tour dates in your country!