Search - Fozzy :: Chasing the Grail

Way Better Than It Should Be

Thomas Briggs | San Diego, CA | 02/14/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The ONLY reason I gave this album a shot was because of leading man Chris Jericho. I'm no longer a wrestling fan, but I used to love the faux-sport in the late 90's, and Jericho was a favorite. I continued to enjoy his presence on VH1, and being a metal fan, decided to give Chasing the Grail a listen. I have to admit, I had low expectations, and I'm happy to say that I was wrong.



Going in, I thought Chasing the Grail would be a throwback to 80s hair metal. For the most part, it isn't. Rather, the album combines a wealth of Metal genres. There's some hair metal in there, some thrash, some nu-metal, but mostly heavy metal. Each song, save Broken Soul, features a heavy, chugging riff that wants to bash your face in. This, along with Chris Jericho's solid vocals combine for a solid effort. It's good stuff.



The album begins with the smoldering Under Black Skies. The song is a perfect opening for the album, and leads nicely into Martyr No More, the album's first single. Martyr No More showcases Fozzy's ability to finely craft a chest-beating accessible metal anthem.



The next song, Grail, is my personal favorite. The song is way more intelligently structured than I could've expected, and it features some of the best vocals on the album. This is a mature metal song that deserves the same respect from fans as other highly regarded bands. Unfortunately, Grail leads right into maybe the most immature songs on the album - Broken Soul.



Broken Soul plays out a lot like an 80s era ballad. It's soft, relies way too much on simple guitar work, and features cheesy lyrics/vocals. It's catchy though, and I could see this becoming the next single as it might appeal to a mass audience, but amidst so much good music already on the album, it stands out as Chasing the Grail's weakest point.



Other highlights include God Pounds His Nails and Paraskavedekatriaphobia (Friday the 13th). Both feature fantastic vocals and guitar work. It's a testament to the ability of the band that they can create something so catchy without sacrificing the integrity of their music. Neither song is dumbed down to appeal like Broken Soul is.



The masterpiece of the album, and most likely what Chasing the Grail will be remembered for, is Wormwood. This is a progressive piece of music that feels straight out of a Dream Theater album. The song is complex, original, and beautiful. Again, Fozzy achieves something without sacrifice. Wormwood is by far the most complex musical piece on the album, yet the sound and feel fits right in with some of the more mainstream stuff, like Martyr No More.



I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Fozzy's Chasing the Grail. A lot of people are comparing the band to some older bands like Motley Crue and others, but I found them to be a bit more on the heavy side, and with their own voice. If I had one complaint it would be that Jericho's voice is modified on a couple songs. I understand that vocals are just another instrument in a musical compositions, but I would've preferred a little more consistency. Otherwise, Chasing the Grail is a solid album that any metal fan can enjoy."

Spreading the Fozzpel...

Double E. | Turlock, CA USA | 01/29/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It was long time since I had bought an album of any kind, but my dedication to Chris Jericho and Fozzy compelled me to snag this album up. Before listening to the album I look through the pamphlet with the band's logo. I was expecting the usual lyrics and photos, but there was a pleasant surprise from Chris and the boys. There was commentary on each song, brutally honest commentary, by Rich Ward and Chris Jericho. It gave me a little insight into each song and made me appreciate each one a little more. It showed me that Fozzy wasn't wasting the last few years doing nothing. They want the best out of themselves and that's what this album is representing. This album is amazing. It has addictive choruses and riffs that punch you right in the face. Does it flounder a little? Not really. This album is really a piece of work that deserves your attention. Each track on this album is easy to get into. I feel I got my moneys worth. If you are thinking about buying this album then buy it. You won't be disappointed."

Fozzalicious

Ben St Pierre | Chicago,Il USA | 02/02/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listen if you have been following Fozzy at all you knew to expect a great CD going into this one. I think I am most impressed BTW these guys keep improving. This band one ups themselves every time they put out an album. From Rich 'The Duke' Ward's solo effort 'My Kung Fu Is Good' to his Sick Speed/CaFu endeavors. ( Don't know what I mean write to Rich and get those demos pronto junior) to the solo cover efforts by Jericho himself on WWE Originals, Spin The Bottle a tribute to Kiss, Hellbent Forever A Judas Priest tribute, to Number from the Beast a Tribute to Iron Maiden to Chris's latest song With Liberty N Justice 'Best Time You Never Had' they kick it up to 11. I have seen these guys live once before and they put on a hell of a show. Check them out and don't be afraid to Stand Up and Shout."