Chiodos
All's Well That Ends Well
6.8
Hailing from one of the most hit-or-miss labels in metal or hardcore, Equal Vision's Chiodos sophomore effort, All's Well That Ends Well is a surprisingly promising offering from the same people who brought you such monuments to mediocrity as Armor For Sleep and Weerd Science.
Showing an affinity for both the intricate and anthemic pop-punk of Coheed and Cambria and the melodic sensibility of bands like Thursday or more recently He is Legend, Chiodos offer fare that while not immediately appealing to metal fans, should at least have something to offer for the general music appreciator. "There's No Penquins in Alaska" exemplifies the classy marriage of these two styles as the band saturates crisp metallic riffing with dulcet Scandinavian melodies. Craig Owen's clean, emotional singing is the centerpiece of the album, which will undoubtedly polarize most listeners. He's certainly competent enough, and is made more bearable by the accomplishments of the band behind him. Also of merit is the work behind the ivory by Radley Bell, who eschews the more synthetic qualities of the keyboard commonly found of metal and hardcore albums to add some subtle atmosphere to the music.
All's Well that End's Well essentially plays a version of Saves the Day or Taking Back Sunday for fans that require something more than just fashionable pants and catchy hooks from their favorite bands. While spinning their wheels in the occasional pointless interlude or soft emotive passages, Chiodos maintain a sense of urgency and musicality throughout that that makes for an album that when taken on its own terms is really very enjoyable.
