Chevelle - Bright as Blasphemy

If I had to listen to one band for the rest of my life, I think I'd have to pick Chevelle.  I've been a fan since Point #1 (1999).  I've seen them live ten times, and after the release of their 10th album today I can't wait to see them again.  Bright as Blasphemy is only nine songs and clocks in at just under 40 minutes, but it exemplifies what I love about this band.  They are riff dominant rock when a lot of bands aren't anymore.  They have changed their sound enough to make each album different while keeping a signature sound that works.  The lyrics are deep enough to make you think, but often amorphous enough to be left open to interpretation.

Though their last album NIRATIAS released in 2021 was not that long ago, this album was originally planned to be released at the end of 2023 and then mid-2024 before eventually getting pushed back another year.  The reasons are multiple.  Firstly, the writing process was described as "torturous" by drummer Sam Loeffler.  It's kind of ironic since the writing is down to just the two brothers, Sam and Pete.  Sam says that Pete is very self critical, however, and he will try to rewrite and improve songs until they meet his high standards.  Secondly, the album is largely self-produced.  They're at a point in their career where they are taking control of the music.  Pete does most of it himself with touring bassist, Kemble Walters, assisting in engineering. Thirdly, they signed to a new label, Alchemy Recordings, a relatively new label founded by Danny Wimmer (promoter) and Dino Paredes (manager/producer Puscifer, A Perfect Circle). Curiously, Chevelle is not yet mentioned on their official website. I wouldn't put Bright as Blasphemy as a favorite album, but it is a nice addition to their catalogue. My favorite tracks would be album opener, "Pale Horse;" lead single, "Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1);" and closing track, "Shocked at the End of the World."  If you like riff and groove oriented rock with breakdowns to bang your head to, check it out.  Also, Chevelle is best listened to on quality headphones or speaker systems.  You get so much more depth, especially in the low end, if you listen on good equipment.

Chevelle are currently on tour with Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society and local dates include 8/23 (Asbury Park, Stone Pony Summer Stage), 8/26 (NYC, Rooftop at Pier 17), 8/27 (Bethlehem, Wind Creek Event Center), and 8/28 (Wallingford, Toyota Oakdale Theatre)

Chevelle at Wellmont Theater 8-3-24

Chevelle at Wellmont Theater 8-3-24