Slears – The Chaos Within

Slears
The Chaos Within
Label: Metalapolis Records / SPV
Out: November 29^th, 2024
Playing time: 51:21

For almost two decades the Bavarian hard rockers from beautiful Schliersee have been pleasing their fans with a perfect combination of heaviness, big melodies and a light progressive touch.

Slears were founded in 2007 and it took a whole seven years to release their debut album ‘Far Away From Getting Somewhere’. But even after that, the Bavarians took their time. The follow-up ‘Turbulent Waters’ was not released until 2018, and ‘The Chaos Within’ will follow in November 2024 (another six years later). Produced by guitarist Tom Käser and Christian Mundel, the album cover was also kept at home. Artist Annina Roescheisen from Schliersee was enlisted for this. The artwork ‘ONI’, which can be seen on the album, is hand-painted.

The album starts right away with the eponymous intro ‘The Chaos Within’. All you hear are whispered words and a few synths. The band could have done without that. But then ‘Barricades’ really gets down to business. The drums are booming and the riffs accompany Peter Kandlinger’s powerful and slightly raspy vocals. Towards the end you can hear the first filigree guitar solo. Industrial synths open ‘Particles’, but fortunately only for a short time. Then mid-tempo riffs dominate again. Rhythmic drums and slightly pressed-sounding vocals initially characterise ‘Digital Dreamer’. Another mid-tempo stomper, which is later characterised by melodic guitar melodies. First wind noises, then booming drums and beautiful guitar hooks – this is how ‘First Ascent’ presents itself. In terms of tempo, everything remains the same. On ‘Hope’, the musicians show a love of experimentation. A quiet song, partly with acoustic guitars and harmony vocals. But it doesn’t stay that way. Later, powerful riffs resound. Once again there are synths as an introduction to ‘Face The Heat’. But then it picks up speed, a haunting guitar melody accompanies some subtle screams. There is also a very catchy sing-along chorus. I don’t have to say much more about the synth introductions, they don’t really fit. This is also the case with ‘Send Me A Sign’. But shortly afterwards, the powerful voice of Peter Kandlinger resounds again, underpinned by hard drumming and powerful riffs. However, Slears don’t lose sight of the beautiful melodies. I find the keyboard tapestries a little annoying. On the other hand, the guitar solo is excellent. The introduction with melodic clean guitars on ‘The Great Escape’ sounds very pleasant. Later, the vocals are underpinned by hard riffs and rhythmic drumming. There is also a haunting bass line in places. The guitars at the beginning of ‘Friendly Fire’ initially lack pressure. That changes later. Again hard riffs and pounding drums. The vocals sound a little hectic in places, but only ever briefly. There is nothing symphonic about ‘Bare-Knuckle Symphony’. Once again, the singer squeezes his voice out of himself. Alternating with whispered words. On ‘I Feel Like A Fortress’, you initially think you’re listening to a power ballad. But far from it. Once again, we move into the mid-tempo range. And we hear a great Rock anthem.

There is a lot of light on ‘The Chaos Within’ but also a little bit of shadow. The latter includes the intro in particular, but also the one or other synth introduction to the songs. But the great Rock music prevails. Even though the songs are mostly mid-tempo, the album is very varied. Plus, a rich sound. Good musicians, especially the singer, are a guarantee for largely great listening pleasure.

Slears – First Ascent: https://youtu.be/q_fMhOcTHMM?si=99lNKc2kqtgpuZ_q

Lineup:

Peter Kandlinger – Vocals
Tom Käser – Guitar
Gustl Berauer – Guitar
Andy Eichinger – Bass
Felix Weise – Drums

Track list:

• The Chaos Within
• Barricades
• Particles
• Digital Dreamer
• First Ascent
• Hope
• Face The Heat
• Send Me A Sign
• The Great Escape
• Friendly Fire
• Bare-Knuckle Symphony
• I Feel Like A Fortress