One of the unusual circumstances surrounding this review was that it was done under a distinct lack of time constraints. I have been in possession of this for over three weeks and it is fortunate for Mr Rock that that is the case for a while back when our esteemed leader asked about this platter I told him it wasn’t very good. I’m glad to have had the chance to listen further thanks to Mr Cummings’ globe trotting. Therefore Garden of Chaos gets a healthy thumbs-up from me and as it is a bit of a grower it may even improve still further. 

The title song leads of and is very European in its sound which I like. It brings to mind Gamma Ray more than anyone else but other Teutonic influences may well be apparent. Satan’s Playground is 80’stastic yet sound wise still rooted bet much in the here and now.  If metal acts still released singles the Savior’s Call (yucky American spelling) would be a prime candidate as it has a really fabulously catchy chorus. This Time is the Last Time reminds me of one of the heavier type efforts from David Readman’s new solo opus and this is very much a good thing. 

Only A Matter of Time starts off as if it were the theme tune to a 1980’s adventure series before morphing into something that reminds me of Deep Purple era circa 1984 – again, a good thing. Spirit in the Sky, fortunately isn’t a cover version but features staccato drums to give a sense of urgency but to my ears this song is the closest song on the album to being a bit of a duffer. 

Metal Breed again retains a sense of the 80’s and has a lyric that reminds us that, “you can’t kill the Metal Breed.” Quite. Millenial (sic) Reign is quite fabulous in every respect from the wonderful chorus to the stupendous solo. Quite how Rock reaches some of the notes on this tune is beyond me. Unconditional is the first ballad on Garden of Chaos and bizarrely comes immediately before the second and is OK and could potentially see lighters aloft in a live scenario but overall doesn’t move me that much. Ode to Alexander falls into the same category – it’s pleasant enough but nothing special. 

Garden of Chaos is much better than I thought after my initial listens and even if it does tail off towards the end there is enough quality in seven of the first eight songs to merit a hearty recommendation. Hats off in particular to those who played guitar, including Gus G of Firewind, and producer CJ Grimmark because whilst the instrumentation is impeccable throughout the fret work is exceptional.

Let us know your views on Garden Of Chaos

 Track Listing

Garden of Chaos
Satan’s Playground
Savior’s Call
This Time is the Last Time
Only a Matter of Time
Spirit in the Sky
Metal Breed
Millennial Reign
Unconditional
Ride the Wind
Ode to Alexander

Line Up

Rob Rock - Vocals
Andreas Olsson - Bass
Carljohan Grimmark - Guitars
Andreas Johansson - Drums