Album Review: Chiodos - Illuminaudio

Chiodos has gotten praise and intense criticism for the dismissal of their founder and former lead singer Craig Owens. By praise, I mean people who hated Owens were all for the split, and by intense criticism, I mean Owens fans swore of the band completely. The band has a lot to prove on the new album, 'Illuminaudio' (especially new vocalist Brandon Bolmer) to fans and haters alike.

There are many elements in this album that are inherently Chiodos. The sounds and elements that have defined the band for years are present in many tracks, but some more than others. “Love is a Cat from Hell” starts off immediately with heavy instrumentals, with melodic vocals and frenzied screaming. Guest vocals from Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil put this song over the edge from good to amazing. “Stratovolcano Mouth” has a movement that keeps you guessing, especially with a fierce breakdown that catches you off guard. There’s a constant ebb and flow in this album, from mellow to intense, which is well illustrated in “Those Who Slay Together, Stay Together.”

There are some less than stellar moments in 'Illuminaudio.' While still catchy, “His Story Repeats Itself” is just mediocre, and the ending track, “Closed Eyes Still Look Forward,” is slow moving and laden with electronic effects that ruins the simple beauty of Bolmer’s voice and lyrics of the song. This album is much more electronically influenced, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes works against the impressive musicianship of Chiodos.

'Illuminaudio' is filled with catchy melodies and memorable lyrics, with the heavy sound fans crave mixed with new elements that are inevitable with the introduction of a new lead vocalist. It seems that the band is trying to grow and establish a new sound. Bolmer is a more than competent replacement for Craig Owens (although he will be missed by Owens lovers.) His voice has a richness and character that can hold its own (check out 'Notes in Constellations' for a great representation of his vocal ability.)

While not what people may be used to from the band, 'Illuminaudio' is a solid album with intricate instrumentals, moments of mellowness that explodes into a fury of intensity, and a mix of melodic vocals with ferocious screaming that capture attention from beginning to end. Fans will embrace the album, ex-fans will probably hate it, but if all emotions are put aside, this album is obviously a success in proving that Chiodos can clearly stand without Owens.

4/5

'Illuminaudio' by Chiodos is available now on Equal Vision Records.

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Jenny Bauer