A SPLENDID CHAOS

"...a Splendid Chaos" is the third full-length studio album byh Italian death/thrash metal act Coram Lethe. The album was released through Punishment 18 Records in January 2009. It´s the successor to "The Gates of Oblivion" from 2004. There have been quite a few lineup changes since the predecessor as half of the original members of the band have jumped ship. Lead vocalist Mirco Borghini has been replaced by female vocalist Erica Puddu, and bassist Giacomo Occhipinti has been replaced by Federico Stiaccini. In addition to those changes the band have also opted to add a second guitarist in Filippo Occhipinti, making Coram Lethe a quintet on "...a Splendid Chaos".

The album features a music style which is heavily influenced by mid-90s Death (the band) but also features quite a few melodic death metal elements. So this is technically well played death metal with a melodic edge. Puddu has a high pitched screaming vocal style (spiced up the the occassional deeper growl), which is relatively similar to the vocal style of Chuck Schuldiner on "The Sound of Perseverance" (1998). Again the Death connections and influences are strong on Coram Lethe. "...a Splendid Chaos" features relatively memorable and powerful material and the band are well playing too, but they do lack a unique sound. It´s not a major issue, as they do what they do with both passion, skill, and conviction, but it´s not exactly a plus either.

The album features a overall well sounding production job, although the drums could have prospered from a more organic tone. Upon conclusion "...a Splendid Chaos" is a nice step forward for Coram Lethe and it´s a good quality release and recommended for fans of technically well played death/thrash with melodic death metal leanings. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives).