Short Reviews [Chest Rockwell - 2021 - "The Existentialist"]

US band CHEST ROCKWELL have maintained and explored their very own variety of off-kilter progressive rock in the state of Kentucky since 2004 or thereabouts, with a grand total of 8 studio albums to their name so far if In have managed to count them all. Their latest one is called "The Existentialist", and was released through band leader Josh Hines own label Snow Wolf in the spring of 2021. This is the second album where the Chest Rockwell name has been used to release what essentially is a Josh Hines solo album, where this is a one man album rather than the result of a proper band venture. If the creative process is all that much different I do not know, but what I can hear is that the spirit of Chest Rockwell is changing this time around. The alternative and off kilter approach from earlier Chest Rockwell albums has been left behind this time around, replaced by quirky instrument details and the occasional odd development. Still a bit outside of the norm, but the music overall is just much more conventional. Another aspect that is less visible this time around is the progressive nature of the band. Quirky features are still present, but explored in a much more conventional metal manner and attitude this time around. Tips of the hat towards Di'Anno era Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath will be recognizable traits for many, while some of the other songs strikes me as being toned down, cleaned up varities of the kind of music Hines explores when he is creating black metal. Quirky and strangely appealing quirky heavy metal is the end result, occasionally more pleasant than alluring. The slightly lo-fi mix and production has it's charm as well, and while this feature may detract some listeners it is also an element that separates the band from others. On some songs the vocals could use a slight lift in the mix though, while the guitars could be toned down ever so slightly. While quirky riff details and occasional expressive drum movements along with clever use of melodic overlays is the main proggy features for many songs here, the good, old off.kilter progressive rock of the Chest Rockwell of old do return here and there too. Most prominently on the instrumental 'Acceptance of the Absurd', a truly captivating ride between quirky alternative progressive rock escapades and harder edged progressive rock in a similar manner to good, old Rush. Laster on the concluding 'I Was The Traveler' should also be found satisfying by many progheads, complete with orchestral inspired keyboard textures, fanfare style dramatic surge and quirky instrument maneuvers. While Chest Rockwell does not present us with a purebred progressive rock creation this time around, those with a taste for both quirky metal and slightly off kilter progressive rock should find a lot to enjoy on this album. While not a band or an album that I can see will ever be given the front page of the Prog magazine, those who listen to and get this band will love and treasure it for being just that I suspect - a bit left of the centre in more ways than one, and with perhaps a stronger progressive spirit than progressive style on a few different levels to boot.