Play 90 second soundbite of 'The Day Of The Locust' @ 'CD quality'
Think Alanis Morissette in a 'metal' environment on you won't be far off - think frantic Evanescence minus keys - then listen to 69 Chambers and think again - you'll hear someone else, something else, you'll start to get the 69 Chambers experience and they'll hook you and reel you in!
69 Chambers comprise Nina Treml (vocals, guitar), Maddy Madarasz (bass, backing vocals) and Michi Brugger (drums) and I know what you're thinking - metal/schmetal, with a line-up like that it just can't be the real-deal!! Wrong, cuz 69 Chambers fit the 'bill' beautifully; Nina lays down masses of hefty, dark riffs that chug and grind in very deliberate fashion as Maddy's bass bolsters the mood and adds wonderfully proportioned 'thump' to the sound. Michi's drumming is typically frenetic and robust and drives the thunderous 'machine' along effortlessly. And then there's the vocals; with more than just a hint of pop sensibility and distinct nuances of 'Goth', Nina lays down some fantastic work that kinda sits somewhat juxtaposed to the electric onslaught. Again, it works!!
69 Chambers sit squarely in the widely encompassing brackets of 'metal' and yet they show much more restraint and control than many of their contemporaries. That refusal to fall absolutely into the 'pit' of nonsensical wailing, screaming, warbling and shouting voices allows 69 Chambers to be as heavy as hell but accessible and understandable - the balance is spot-on, the vibe is awesome, the feel is dark but exhilarating! On the odd occasions when 69 Chambers are called on to deliver their darker more metalist sound they do it with ease, albeit just a tad strained and strange on the ear at times. However, this is one helluva big noise coming from just three individuals and yet it sounds totally feasible and reproducible in the live scenario - 69 Chambers sound totally grounded and realistic and stick to basics that they will be able to pound out on stage without detriment to their overall sound. It really is a tasty sound and a very real one!!
'War On The Inside' by 69 Chambers is an exceptionally well delivered album of hard-rockin metal-esque music. 69 Chambers' line-up allows them to be more individual than most and that individuality scores well and sets them apart from most other metal outfits. There are thirteen great songs on this impressive album; all are executed with similar commitment and dedication yet each has its own inherently unique character. 69 Chambers don't entirely allow themselves to drop into the full-metal-jacket of the form; 69 Chambers err strongly on the dark-side of heavy rock but trip, just occasionally, into full metal mayhem - no matter how dark, no matter how manic, 69 Chambers hold it all together quite brilliantly and 'War On The Inside' is a pretty sensational album of modernistic heavy rock music for the masses.
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