Review by JD on April 9, 2013.

I have heard some extreme metal from the oddest of places across our huge planet. That always shows how global metal has become and now Ireland is in on it, and we as a group are happy about it.

This band started in the islands of Ireland. Travelling to Vancouver in Canada top continue and then back to the Emerald Isles – losing two members in the process. Now as a duo, this band unleash a metallic barrage that shapes its thunder by using all sorts of metal in the making. Death, Thrash, Groove and even Metalcore all are used and lovingly mashed together to come out as how Chosen has ‘chosen’ it to be.

This sort of metal is not my cup of tea normally but there were some amazing songs laying just in wait for me, much to my surprise. I was impressed with the track 'Engines of Belief' with its controlled frenetic riff and angry Metalcore vocals that seemed to urge it all along with this wall of a blistering attack. Equally as chaotic, 'Mental Clarity' puts how this band is right in your face.

Some of the vocals tend to get lost in the mix but with Metalcore, it always seemed that way – but yet, that is the icing on this Extreme Metal cake. This is one of the few bands that have made it come alive for me, a true accomplishment you can tell. I would love to see this band with a straight metal vocalist with an alternative twist to his or her voice – but I can more than live with it just like it is on the album.

Chosen might not be your normal listen but it is worth spending the just under an hour to hear it. I took a chance, and loved my ‘Chosen’ time.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8.5
Originality: 9.5
Overall: 9

Rating: 9 out of 10