Album Details

• Artist: The Chariot
• Album: Wars And Rumors Of Wars
• Label: Solid State
• Year of Release: 2009
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2009-06-27

Over the course of just two albums and an EP, The Chariot have launched themselves into the top slot on many people's favorite american hardcore lists. Despite a near-total line-up overhaul between their first and this album, Wars and the Rumors of Wars, two things remain constant: Josh Scogin's overbearing presense behind the microphone, and the established sound the name carries with it. However, to these ears, maturity has brought with it a more steadily-aimed, precise and accurate Chariot forward.

Readily apparent rather quickly, the fist-to-the-pavement grind of "Teach:" is one loud, blatant burst of an introduction. Of particular note: the lyrics, which Josh has attested to being "darker than previous records" due to their more personal nature. The next two tracks seem to continue to build upon each other and ultimately climax on the 4th, "Impress". This is the song that took me totally by surprise: it starts as the previous three had, but shortly shifts tempos into a mid-paced lock, and when the simple, twangy lead plays over the more brutal rhythm, the juxtaposition of the two really create one wonderfully harmonious effect. It's these little moments that make Wars and the Rumors of Wars shine, in contrast to their hardcore brutality. The closing, militant feel of "Never I" is another such moment; totally unexpected and, moreso, totally effective. "Mrs. Montgomery Alabama III" is fascinating in it's ability to totally sum up almost everything the band has accomplished in 6 minutes. 

Beyond the music, I must note the band's willingness to really make this album special: the first 25,000 copies were all hand-printed, stamped and signed by the band themselves, which each member putting together 5,000 copies each. A commendable effort to bring the fans closer to the finished product. All in all I doubt a finer effort could have been expected from The Chariot. For an alleged "Christian" outfit, you'd be hard pressed to tell unless you're learned about the bandmembers and such. This is just pure quality hardcore/metalcore that deserves to be heard by fans of punk and metal alike. 

User Reviews and Comments

on 2009-07-13 blackxdan Said:

wars and rumors of wars is an amazing album. totally blew me away. Not gonna lie, I didnt think they would be able to top the fiancee in my list, but they did. they surprised me once again.
Not Rated

on 2009-06-28 hstisgod Said:

Wow...of the 5 songs I streamed, I've found another top ten 09 candidate at the very least, if not a great new favorite to lose myself in. Evolve is raw and reminds me of how I felt the first time I heard Pantera... not ready but very willing. The bridge/outro of this song was mind numbing.
Rating: 8/10

on 2009-06-27 SolitaryMan Said:

These guys didn't quite hit the spot on "The Fiancee" for me, but "Wars and Rumors of Wars" is undeniably awesome in so many ways. I'm interested to hear what others think!
Rating: 8/10