Search - Chinchilla :: Madtropolis

And you thought Chinchilla's were harmless

George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 10/21/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What metal band can truly call them selves progressive if they don't have a concept album in their repertoire? Chinchilla sound off on their hatred for greed, money, power and war, throughout the album. "Madtropolis" itself is a keyboard heavy track that describes a world controlled by the wealthy, where the weak and poor follow blindly. "Our Destiny" is not about hope; it's about abandoning our dreams because the mighty send the meek into war for their own gain. The fast paced "Battle of the World" only reinforces the message. Is it all gloom and doom? Yes! On "Dance with the Devil", Laasch wails away about those who sell their souls to the devil for advancement in the world. Listen for a Dream Theatre inspired keyboard solo by Artur Diessner, followed by Udo's guitar interpretation of the same run. "Money Rules" is about how the unlawful never face a penalty. Whether it's a celebrity or a head of a big corporation that breaks the law, money will always keep them free. Do you see a pattern here? The apocalyptic "When the Sand Darkens the Sun" is loaded with heavy riffs, and tells the tale of the final battle between good and evil (guess who wins?). Motorhead's "Fast" Eddie Clarke lays down a wicked guitar solo here. Chinchilla break from the concept for a moment (at least I think so) on two tracks. The band praises their legions of fans and their fondness for rock on "Heavy Metal". "Satellite" is a well written power ballad about breaking up. Laasch is sincere and melodic in his delivery. But honestly, who's ever said they feel like a satellite?Bottom Line:
Madtropolis is full of heavy guitars, fast paced rhythms, and melodic vocals. True to the progressive rock form, Chinchilla take an underlying theme and break it up into eleven unique tracks. It's easy to see who influences the group as well. Laasch has a vocal delivery similar to Helloween's Dark Ride-era. The intricate and rapid keyboard solos are Dream Theater-esque, and the concept is right out of the Queensryche hand book. Chinchilla prove that their genre is still viable."