Lordchain
Lordchain formed back in 1990 by Kelly Matthews & Jeff Grady and originally went by the moniker 'Eternity'. The band hails from Southeast, Missouri where they offer up some diversified Hard Rock/Metal. From the early to mid 90's, Eternity was busy cutting their teeth as they released a couple of demos and soon began garnering recognition as they did some gigs with well known bands like Tourniquet and Bride along with others. In 1994 LC gained some recognition by placing in MTV's Beach House Band Search with a video of the track "Follow Me" which later would find its way onto their debut release. In 1996, the band found themselves having to make a tough decision concerning the band's name and decided to change it from 'Eternity' to 'Lordchain'. Then in 1997, to the joy of their fans, the band released their debut self-titled full length album. Five years later, they followed up their 1997 debut with their sophomore 2002 release simply titled 'Cracked'. Two years later in 2004, Lordchain released their third full length album titled 'Soulever'. In 2006, the band went on to release their fourth full length disc titled 'Looking Past The Moment'. One year later in 2007, LC released their fifth album titled 'Finding Balance'. Then in 2010 we find that they released their sixth album titled 'What Is What Was'.
Lordchain gives their mission statement at their official Facebook page where they state: "Lordchain is a Christian band that boldly stands for Christ. Whether it's playing songs from their CDs or switching it up and doing praise & worship, the purpose of the band is to tell the world of the life changing power and love of God."
2010
With Lordchain's release of their 6th full length album 'What Is What Was', we find a band that has come a long way since their debut release back in 1997. While listening to this release, it's hard not to draw comparisons between Lordchain and founding members Kelly Matthews & Jeff Grady's other side project band called 'Step Cousin'. We find similar aspects such as Death Vocal work, a mixture of clean and harsh Vocals, crunchy guitar riffs, and more. However what we find is less Thrash elements and more Groove Metal lendings.
Vocals are brought to us by Drummer Kelly Matthews & Guitarist Matt Hale who both bring to the mic plenty of diversity with everything from grit to Death style Vocals to a variety of clean Vocal deliveries. I can't help but notice that the clean vocal deliveries offered up would fit nicely with a future Progressive Metal side project coupled with the added ability of the band's signature time changes throughout their tunes. What you could end up with is chemistry that could simply result in another killer release for this band of talented members.
"Die To Self" & "This Callous Heart" both prove to be some of the heavier tunes on this album with their Thrashn' guitar riffs accompanied by some of the best gritty vocal work that I have heard by Kelly Mathews.
Guitars are handled by Jeff Grady and Matt Hale who do a nice job of mixing things up. Throughout this 2010 release, you will find that the guitars run between heavy and hard driving to Thrash to acoustic. This is the kind of Hard Rock that makes you wish you had a Harley with matching leather vest with chest hair blowing in the wind. All is fun and games until the pounding guitar riffs reach up and grab you by the chest hair and rips it out.
Kelly Matthews also handles Drums where we find him leaning more towards the varied mix styles of his Thrash band 'Step Cousin' along with the occasional double-bass. There's also some hammer pounding drum work as well for all you Thrash fans out there.
"Die To Self" & "This Callous Heart" both prove to be some of the heavier tunes on this album with their Thrashn' guitar riffs accompanied by some of the best gritty vocal work that I have heard by Kelly Mathews.
Guitars are handled by Jeff Grady and Matt Hale who do a nice job of mixing things up. Throughout this 2010 release, you will find that the guitars run between heavy and hard driving to Thrash to acoustic. This is the kind of Hard Rock that makes you wish you had a Harley with matching leather vest with chest hair blowing in the wind. All is fun and games until the pounding guitar riffs reach up and grab you by the chest hair and rips it out.
Kelly Matthews also handles Drums where we find him leaning more towards the varied mix styles of his Thrash band 'Step Cousin' along with the occasional double-bass. There's also some hammer pounding drum work as well for all you Thrash fans out there.
(See Site Info for Sword Scale Meaning)This rating is for their album 'What Is What Was'.
"Die To Self"
Look in the mirror
And what stares back at me
A life deceiving
A fool is what I see
Conflict raging, torn apart
The truth of my life is revealed
Stab of guilt in my heart
A facture that longs to be healed
One more hope, one more prayer
One more vision left to share
One more King, one more crown
Die to self
"This Callous Heart"
If I kick the past away and
Listen to what You’re saying
Redemption can breath on me
I hold on to this truth
That Is only found in You
This shattered life is made complete
I’ll open up and let You in
Free me from this pain and sin
Take this life that’s surely doomed
Break this callous heart in two
"Let It Rain"
We lift You up in everything we do
We give you praise oh, Lord
Our Redeemer who was and is
And is to come
We praise Your name for the hope You give us
Through Your only Son
Let it rain, the great and mighty King
To pour His spirit out
Look in the mirror
And what stares back at me
A life deceiving
A fool is what I see
Conflict raging, torn apart
The truth of my life is revealed
Stab of guilt in my heart
A facture that longs to be healed
One more hope, one more prayer
One more vision left to share
One more King, one more crown
Die to self
"This Callous Heart"
If I kick the past away and
Listen to what You’re saying
Redemption can breath on me
I hold on to this truth
That Is only found in You
This shattered life is made complete
I’ll open up and let You in
Free me from this pain and sin
Take this life that’s surely doomed
Break this callous heart in two
"Let It Rain"
We lift You up in everything we do
We give you praise oh, Lord
Our Redeemer who was and is
And is to come
We praise Your name for the hope You give us
Through Your only Son
Let it rain, the great and mighty King
To pour His spirit out
Lordchain comes recommended to those who like a variety of Metal styles that come complete with attitude. If you like bands like Step Cousin, Stricken, Grave Forsaken, or Titanic, then you will probably find your fist pounding the counter top with this 2010 Metal release.
Musicians:
Kelly Matthews–Lead Vocals & Drums
Jeff Grady–Guitars
Matt Hale-Guitars
Adam Rhodes–Bass & Keyboards
lily Sain-Bass & Keyboards
Kelly Matthews–Lead Vocals & Drums
Jeff Grady–Guitars
Matt Hale-Guitars
Adam Rhodes–Bass & Keyboards
lily Sain-Bass & Keyboards
