Customer Reviews

Chasing the Grail

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

An excellent CD. I was bowled over by the stylistic mix that is "Wormwood". A tour de force by Mike Martin, a former Fozzy player and a musician and composer with a bright future.

I had to make sure the title of the Album was placed in parenthesis to keep down confusion between the Metal Band All That Remains and the 3rd album by Fozzy.

1st off if people did not know that Chris Jericho was a wrestler, I think this album would have sold better than it did. When I first heard it I was a little shocked as the opening track reminded me more of Speed Metal than their usual content. In my opinion Paraskavedekatriaphobia (Friday The 13th) is by far the best / and hardest track on this album, although Under Blackened Skies is no slouch. If I did not know that Jericho was the singer I would think this was either an unreleased Ozzy Osbourne or BLS album. Not that the vocals sound like either one, but it has that type of vibe. Although the two songs earlier I mentioned could have been as easily released by early Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, or Anthrax.

My favorites from this album so far are: Under Blackened Skies, Martyr No More, Let The Madness Begin, and most definitely Paraskavedekatriaphobia (Friday The 13th). The last song listed is reason enough to either download, borrow, or purchase this album. There are other great tracks on here as well, but I think it mixes just a little too much christian (or satanic, if you take it that way) emphasis on the album. Maybe that is why I could not fully get into Wormwood. It was good but it just seemed to last forever. Than again I was never a fan of songs like Maiden's Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner (so that may be the problem.)

Overall this is still a very good release. Much better than the first 3 albums. So put away your jealousy (or in some cases your embarrassment) that this album has a wrestler for a lead singer and give it a listen. There is a reason why this band has made 4 albums, and it is not because of Jericho's wrestling ability. If that was the case then Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, and that girl on WWE who cannot sing would all have platinum recordings.

The evolution of Fozzy is complete. What started as a joke and a curiosity (a singing wrestler?) has turned into a full fledged metal band that can stand toe-to-toe with any other metal act out there. I thought their last two albums sounded tentative as they gradually moved away from being a cover band to recording their own material, trying to create riffs that were heavy but radio-friendly in an effort to expand their fan base. But on Chasing the Grail, the gloves come off and they come across as a confident band that has finally found its sound. It's easily their heaviest album to date; the opening one-two punch of Under Blackened Skies and Martyr No More gets the blood pumping in a hurry and the rest of the album continues in that vein with the exception of a couple of mandatory ballads in which Fozzy's hair metal roots are showing. Wormwood is a strong finisher, a 14-minute epic that ventures into Dream Theater territory and confirms that Fozzy is now a band that has the chops and the nerve to do whatever they want musically. I do have to deduct a star for the unnecessary falsetto Chris Jericho uses on New Day's Dawn and the flagrant use of a vocal harmonizer or (shudder) autotune on a couple of other songs - come on, Chris, you've already proven you're a better singer than that. Otherwise, Chasing the Grail is a rock solid metal album.

I have been a fan of Fozzy since their inception. Like most, I was drawn to the band due to their front man, Mr. Chris Jericho. Since then, I can say 100% I am a fan of Fozzy because they are a truly talented band. Their latest release "Chasing The Grail" shows a continuing maturity in their writing, performing, and overall existence as a band. Without further ado, my track by track review of "Chasing The Grail."

1. Under Blackened Skies - At first listen, I was a little unsure about this song. Although impressed with the heavy guitar riffs, solo, and drum playing, I wasn't too crazy about how the vocal arraignment meshed with the song as a whole. However, the more I listened, the more I liked. Very heavy, and a solid way to begin an album! 5/5

2. Martyr No More - The first single off the album. A very well put together song, one that you can tell is ready for radio play. Save some semi-cliche lyrics; the delivery is perfect and the guitar work here is amazing! Again pretty heavy, solid stuff! 4.5/5

3. Grail - Again I wasn't 100% sold on this song. However again with a few more listens I was hooked. In many ways in could be viewed as a sort of inspirational song. I truly love the guitar work on this song and how it meshes so well into the hook. The vocal performance is delivered well. My only complaint is that it would seem they were looking for words to merely rhyme, sometimes with no reason. 4/5

4. Broken Soul - My one complaint with this song is the transition into it from the previous track. Somehow in the beginning it just seems out of place. Once you get past tat however, it is a very solid tune. The very first ballad to make a Fozzy album as well. Pretty deep if you think about it! 4.5/5

5. Let The Madness Begin - Truly a metal song through and through!! Heavy riffs, solid drum work, vocals and lyrics that just scream metal! Although I feel it could have benefited from being a bit heavier (especially in the chorus) it's definitely worth a listen for any metal fan. 4.5/5

6. Pray For Blood - With a title like this, you'd think it would be insanely heavy. Luckily that's what we get. Although it's not heavy say in comparisons to "screamer metal" it is definitely one of those dark and foreboding songs. Very much like an Iron maiden tune might be. Although not my favorite off the album; still worth a listen or two. 3.5/5

7. New Day's Dawn - I love this song! Everything about this song just gelled together so well. Fro the very beginning with Rich's falsetto voice, to Chris' vocals, the guitars, the deep bass, everything! I think this would be their hidden gem off the album. I've grown to like it so much that my band and I (who have just reformed with new members) are looking to adopt this as our new band name! 5/5

8. God Pounds His Nails - Again, solid and heavy. This song mixes so well coming off the heels of the previous track and again everything gels together! Heavy drum work here as well. I'd say it's the "pump-up anthem" off the album and a true rocker! 5/5

9. Watch Me Shine - The band follows up with another near perfect tune. Is this a ballad? I wouldn't say so in its own right; but I do feel it has romantic undertones to it. At the same time it's a very strong and uplifting track for everyone! 5/5

10. Paraskavedekatriaphobia (Friday The 13th) - This song reminds me a lot of something Iron Maiden or Queensryche would write. At first I was unsure but again was pleasantly surprised at how well everything comes together. It will surprise you because it'll be stuck in your head for days afterward and you won't even realize it! 4.5/5

11. Revival - A very very solid outing from the band here. I feel Chris put everything he had emotionally into this song. Very solid drum work that seems to fit well with a deep, haunting bass. 4/5

12. Wormwood - This is THE TRACK! The great 14 minute epic that everyone is talking about! I couldn't believe it when I heard it at first. The topic is a very interesting one to be putting into song and the way the band had split up the various sections of the story make it feel almost like a mini-album in itself! Very impressive all around here, I would welcome more of the same by the band in future releases. Just truly amazing! 5/5

There you have it folks. If you are a Fozzy fan and don't already own this piece of art..why not? And, if you're a fan of metal but are unsure if this album or band will live up to the hype; think no more! Fozzy is here to stay!

I agreed to listen to his album, thanks to my boyfriend who is a large fan of Chris Jericho and anything he does. I figured I would give them a shot, though I was already thinking to myself, this will kill me. I'm going to hate every minute of it. I was terribly wrong. This is by far one of the best albums I've ever listened to. Jericho's vocals are stronger than I would have ever given him credit for and the songs all follow a common theme of religion that is poignant to the sounds played throughout. I'm sorry to see this album is doing so poorly as it deserves to be promoted more than it has been. The weakest song, Broken Souls, is still in my top listen of songs to listen to. That's saying something, I'm not even a big fan of this genre of music.

I have followed fozzy since their inception and their first self titled album. Sure at first they started off as a mock band/cover that claimed to be the origin of many of the great metal hits of the 80's. It was all fun and games, but the music was good. That small spark that was on the first album carried trhough and shortly therafter in 2002 they released happenstance, and they boldly started to compose thier own music. 2005 brought us the phenomenal All that Remains, 2008 reloaded All that Remains, but now 2009 they deliver another slab of pure metal.

A wisely timed release near the Royal Rumble and Chris Jericho's time to star in his other passion, this album brings fourth fantastic new straight metal tracks like "Martyr No More" and "Let The Madness Begin", where Rich Ward and Chris Jericho are on fire, mixing melodic vocals and guitars into anthems that get the blood pumping. Jericho tries a ballad type song with A New Day, a good effort. Revival is a great track, a hint of keyboards in the background give me a bit of a deep purple feeling for a moment. The peak of the album really is the last track Wormword, a 14 minute epic with accoustic and metal with decent vocals, much great instrament work, and a small understory. The album has liner notes for all the songs and commentary, a fun little extra.

This album is definately a great way to start to get into this band, right there in mixing quality and sound of All that Remains, and continues to push Fozzy into the mainstream more.

FOZZY'S best effort thus far! "Wormwood" is the best track by far! Epic work by the amazingly- talented former member Mike Martin.