Basically every review of this album begins with a long essay on the topic of ”super groups” – band members who already play in various other well-known bands. There’s really no reason to do that here, as Chrome Division is about as far from “super” as a band possibly gets.
The story began when Shagrath hooked up with Lex Icon and Luna, eager to make an album, which (for once) strayed away from the relentless pomposity of their respective bands (Dimmu Borgir, The Kovenant, and Ashes to Ashes). This is now indeed a good place to start …
Eddie Guz, of “big in Norway” (the underage cousin of “Big in Japan”) rockers The Carburetors, was brought in to do the vocals – everything’s still fine, his voice suits the band perfectly. Lex Icon was then replaced by Tony from Mina’s Tirith due to “circumstances,” as stated on the band’s Web site. After the addition of lead guitarist Ricky Black, Chrome Division was complete … and everything was all good, the lineup was strong (enough – the perfectionist would perhaps ask for better guitarists) and the time had arrived to come up with some decent music. Or, rather, perhaps some “Norwegian Nekro Rock,” displaying the band’s desire for “Booze, Broads, and Beelzebub.” The slogans were ready, if nothing else.
Frankly, the musical content on Doomsday Rock ‘n’ Roll is scaringly weak. Even after many spins, it’s hard to find one single reason why anyone should bother buying this album. The band will probably get high scores with the rock chicks (if clothing makes the man, Ray Ban shades and slim-fit jeans makes the rocker), and they should release the title track as a single a.s.a.p., as it’s the only tune with some merit on the entire disc. Actually, it’s quite a cool track -– the Maiden-inspired part could be toned down a bit, but the intro and chorus are pretty neat. Other than that, there’s little to do but advise these “rockers” not to quit their day jobs –- or “day bands” -– and to most of them, put away the shades and sideburns once and for all and work on the stuff they really should instead focus on. It’d be better for everyone that way.
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