Taipei Metal

Review: Infernal Chaos - Vision of Disorder

Vision of Disorder is the long-awaited full-length debut from Taiwan’s masters of melodic thrash, Infernal Chaos, known locally simply as I.C. Their debut E.P. sold out in Taiwan, and inspired a loyal legion of fans who memorized every lyric, particularly those to the new-school thrash anthem “We Stand Alone.” As such, big things were expected from the band for this release.

Though some may know the band as a side project of guitarist Jesse Liu, also known as Jesse, the Infernal when he pulls six-string duty in Taiwan’s best-known metal outfit, Chthonic, this is not a side project, and this is no mere side project offering. From the opening riff on the album’s first song “Wasted Time,” Infernal Chaos make it clear that they are here to deliver catchy arrangements, shout-along choruses, and heavy, but memorable songs with an emphasis on timeless songwriting and carefully-measured balance.

Vocalist Cig tempers his powerful high-range screams with capable, at times mournful, clean vocals; a fitting compliment to the band’s mix of melody and brutality. Guitar players Jesse and Aero (who has since left the band) have the knowledge and prowess to put together complicated arrangements of riffs that don’t sound like they simply threw a bunch of riffs together and called it a song. Each song flows seamlessly, showcasing the band’s high level of musical diversity, particularly on the album’s verbosely-titled closer, “I Wonder If I Can Face Myself with Trueness” which slides effortlessly between ballad-like serenity and raging thrash.

Towering solos prove powerful, not over the top or showy, and rather are an important part of the emotional buildup of the songs, as opposed to just being a means for the guitarists to show how fleet of finger they are. Bassist Mason and drummer Shin form a tight rhythm section, and the recording of the bass and drums formidably captures their low-end assault. The lyrics, penned at times by Jesse, Cig, bassist Mason, and band collaborator Ginger, are a window into what it is like to live in the midst of the urban blight of Taiwan, but can be applied to the trials and uncertainty that we all must face as a society and as individuals no matter where we live.

This band is all about the buildup and the delivery, the payoff, or the emotional climax; an area in which they never disappoint. Though they are most often classified as a melodic thrash band, their wide range of influences make them a difficult band to pin down, and the timeless quality of their songs makes it seemingly pointless to try. It’s better to simply call them a metal band. Here in Taiwan, I.C. aren’t following any trends. They are setting them.

For fans of: Hatesphere, Soilwork, New In Flames

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/icfromtw

by Joe Henley