“Unadulterated nonsense,” I thought to myself when trying to explain The Chariot to someone; but somehow I knew I wouldn’t get my point across until they put on headphones. Harsh, heavy hitting, simple, complex, grandiose, raw, and honest – The Chariot are all that plus more. So in honor of the band’s last show ever this past weekend in their hometown of Douglasville, GA, I’m here to give one final salute to a band that’s become significant to many of us, and who permanently left their mark on the heavy music community.
Formed in 2003 after Josh Scogin’s departure from Norma Jean, The Chariot have always said their live shows are the heart of their musical expression. But I disagree — especially when they’ve consistently released heartfelt and ungodly heavy albums over the course of a decade. Their songs will pull you into slow, heavy marching/cult-like/group-chant euphoria, while other times they’re fast and to the point.
Since The Chariot’s debut album Everything is Alive, Everything is Breathing, Nothing is Dead, Nothing is Bleeding in 2004, they’ve brought an unrelenting presence of high intensity and emotion to the table. Their approach on their sophomore album The Fiancée was one of a less traditional style of metalcore, but it wasn’t until Wars and Rumors of Wars was released that we learned the true nature of the beast. This pivotal album set the stage for The Chariot’s unique future methodology — moving as one cohesive unit through a song, as opposed to a generic double bass throbbing or long winded guitar solos as seen in their peers. Their final and last two albums Long Live and One Wing are of the most professionally written and produced album of the bunch. Tracks like “Forget,” “Not,” “Evan Perks,” and “David De La Hoz” are not only some of the more defining tracks of their career, but also extend the boundaries and limits we see in music today. If “Evan Perks” isn’t one of the heaviest openers to an album I’ve ever heard, then I’ve lost sight of music.
With every album they released I didn’t think it COULD be any heavier, that it COULD be any more abrasive. I was always wrong. The Chariot have redefined the meaning of hardcore/metal/punk rock. They’ve mastered the art of showmanship and musicianship and allowed us to expect the unexpected. They’re catchy in all ways that aren’t cheesy. They’re like heavy metal punk experts.
Thanks for showing us what a well thought out album should sound like. And thanks for showing us how a live show should feel.
Long live, The Chariot.
Some footage of their last show at Chain Reaction:
And our 2012 interview with Josh Scogin: