Coming Alive

Personnel: Rob Arnold (guitar); Chris Spicuzza (keyboards, electronics, background vocals); Jim LaMarca (bass guitar); Andols Herrick (drums).
Audio Mixer: Ben Schigel.
Recording information: Cleveland, OH (12/30/2009); House Of Blues, Cleveland, OH (12/30/2009).
Directors: Nicholas Kleczewski; Todd Bell.
Editor: Todd Bell.
Photographers: Dirk Zeiser; Todd Bell.
Cleveland-based metal band Chimaira have come a long way since their excessively nü-metal-damaged debut album. They've transformed into an extremely heavy groove metal outfit, playing riffs that fall somewhere between Hatebreed and Pantera, with vocalist Mark Hunter barking and roaring with occasionally surprising power. Guitarists Matt DeVries and Rob Arnold work well in the unison sections, occasionally cutting loose with squealing solos that seem indebted to Metallica's Kirk Hammett and late Pantera axe-slinger Dimebag Darrell in more or less equal measure. Drummer Andols Herrick's mastery of the double-kick drum and his ability to keep rhythms both relentless and subtle make sure the pit never stops moving. This deluxe set contains two DVDs -- one a three-hour documentary on the band, and one a live concert performed in their hometown -- and a CD of the same concert. The set list focuses on their most recent album, 2007's Resurrection, but also includes lots of material from their previous discs on Roadrunner. The band and the audience are clearly in sync throughout the show, with a packed house of fans cheering wildly for every anthemic chorus and thunderous breakdown. ~ Phil Freeman