| Musical Style: Technical Metal | Produced By: |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2020 | Artist Website: Chase The Sun |
| Tracks: 8 | Rating: 85% |
| Running Time: 44:11 |
On its October of 2020 self-titled debut full length, Chase The Sun evokes the intricate songwriting and progressive layering of technical metal, and it matches it with elements of straightforward hard rock and NWOBHM while ‘modeling none of these directly’ (as noted in its press material). When further factoring Chase The Sun reflects the dark and trenchant but without falling under the Gothic and doom headings and even touches upon some grunge elements ala Alice In Chains, noting its Pacific Northwest (Spokane, Washington) heritage, it ‘forges its own unique voice, ignoring trends while subsequently refusing to mirror the past’ (again drawing upon the groups press material). This mainstream band to include believing members otherwise came together in late 2018 ahead of introducing its self-proclaimed and singular style of ‘art rock’ on its January of 2020 four song EP Divine Mourning.
Opener “Chasing The Sun” provides a good indicator of the multifarious Chase The Sun sound. It intermingles James Pratt’s funk flavored bass line with a warmly tinctured mid-paced impetus, playing up the groups signature darker vestiges as slower melodic moments in which rhythm guitar pushes to the forefront converge with those of a more intense variety. The Chase The Sun technical acumen reveals in multiple instrumental excursions (sort of like mid-period Deliverance).
Science Fiction themed piece “Sacred Storm (Tanelorn)” ranks among albums heaviest with its power metal guitar vestiges. Song also revels in the mirthful with its melodic bass line, backed by the agile timekeeping of Myles Milliman, but also extends its length to lushly textured harmonies, noting calmer passages in which impetus slows to a near standstill. All the while front man Jason Hatchet shines with his mid-ranged vocal abilities to fluctuate from smoother and melodic to lower-register grit and gravel.
“Stone Pillow” manifests the Chase The Sun technical prowess with its intricate layering. The trudging riffs to start that touch upon the doom-like decelerate to an ethereal and dreamy passage, further time signatures found in the subsequent forward verse sections and momentous refrain emanating of the urgent and profound. Perhaps it is the lower register vocals or somber vestiges, but some of those as noted grunge elements come to the forefront.
“Divine Mourning” is a favorite with its six and half-minute progressives. The introductory distorted bass solo gives way to symphonic female vocal harmonizing, with the slogging momentum to follow strengthening the fanciful landscape as catchy riffs and equally luring refrain set the beguiling tone. Again, multiple instrumental excursions present in the form of the initial Gothic guitar tinged run and second to feature the bluesy leads of Zach Hatchett.
Progressiveness carries over to eight and half minute magnum opus “Exodus From Nowhere”. What we have is one of albums most melodic and relaxed, beginning to flowing U2-ish guitars - gently done and relaxed in form - but also extending to the intense melodies to speak of the atmospheric in building upon the finesse-filled disposition adorning the minutes drifting ahead. Heavier rocking guitars cut in at the seven-minute mark to pick up tension exponentially. Song also manifests albums superior production to allow breathing bass, transparent leads and presence filled drums to rise above the mix.
“On Solid Ground”, last of the lengthy technical metal pieces, comes across as an amicable semi ballad. It reveals as richly tinctured, realizing intricate drum rolls and fills and soothing vocal harmonies with a classical bass line to play up one of albums most distinguished melodies. Halfway in and guitars thickly step forward and give way to flashy lead guitar.
As first of the seven opening cuts to come in at under five minutes, “Another Mile” stands apart with its bare bones and hard rock acumen. Catchy rhythms and riffs dominated a bluesy landscape to see perfectly placed rhythm guitars dash in and out of the mix over a churning low end. I can see early 90’s Bride doing something like this.
“Tears Of God” might be albums least progressive but is no less worthy. It also skirts hard rock territory, diverging in trending the up-tempo in light of its plainspoken demeanor and candid hooks to point to the brusque either way. Earthy vocals and bluesy guitar signatures further reinforce the precise momentum.
I appreciate how Chase The Sun imbues its songwriting with technical to progressive nuances but not to fault either way. Further factoring how the group combines metal and hard rock while branching out into darker semblances (but without falling within the Gothic and doom categories) and even light ‘Seattle sound’ touches (albeit not to fault) speaks of its versatility. Excellent production along with the able musicianship further lends to the quality in question. If into any of the genres presented or technical/progressive metal to begin with, you can do no wrong with the Chase The Sun self-titled debut.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Chasing The Sun” (5:39), “Sacred Storm (Tanelorn)” (5:35), “Stone Pillow” (5:22), “Divine Mourning” (6:42), “Exodus From Nowhere” (8:23), “On Solid Ground” (5:46), “Another Mile” (4:58), “Tears Of God” (3:46)
Musicians
Jason Hatchett - Lead Vocals & Percussion
Zach Hatchett - Guitars
James Pratt - Bass
Myles Milliman - Drums
