Every few years there is a coalescence of talent and creativity in the music world, and in 2020 that collaboration is Her Chariot Awaits. Signed to Italian record label Frontiers Music srl, the group features former Sirenia Vocalist Ailyn Giménez, Guitarist Mike Orlando of Heavy Metal supergroup Adrenaline Mob, Drummer Jeff Thal of Bumblefoot, and Bassist Brian Gearty. The consummate concept of Orlando and Giménez, Her Chariot Awaits are set to release their self-titled debut album on Friday, May 22, 2020.
Consisting of 11 tracks, “Misery” begins the journey with wickedly distorted guitar tearing away before Giménez croons along to the bouncing beat. The tempo is rapid and ever-changing, propelled by the slamming drums and quick follow up of the guitars. Despite its title, the opener has a seductive Pop feel within its bones, and is accentuated by the grit and edge of its guitars. Rocking its way in “Screaming Misfire” underlies Giménez’s rhyming elegiac with quick-witted riffs and shuddering percussion. Her breathy, ascendant background vocals fill the air behind her feverish choruses, all with lyrics like “One thousand ways to learn my dark desire.”
The follow up is “Stolen Heart,” which bathes in the talents of Guitarist Orlando for its brief introduction. In this, Orlando runs through the notes with fiendish fury before the lush singing of Giménez falls through. The epic crescendo of the song is Orlando’s effect-laden guitar solo where the track takes a turn. Meanwhile, the breathtaking “Constant Craving” opts to take a far different approach to pacing than previous tracks. The song is built up with layers of a discordant guitar melody, listless, glassy percussion, and airy, drawn out singing. As such, “Constant Craving” is a stunning tableau of unsolvable longing and need.
Later on the fiery, possessive number “Line Of Fire” weaves the tale of a clingy ex and the impatient, fed-up new girlfriend as she makes her claim known. This creates a true spit-in-your-face and keep-on-walking attitude throughout the rocker. Much more demure, “Just Remember” brings a leisurely tone to the album with its cries to recall memories and an ariose guitar.
Her Chariot Awaits offer a fresh and hot-blood flavor to their authentic Rock-n-Roll style. Ailyn Giménez presents a rarely seen side to her vocals and entangles them with beautifully orchestrated chaotic riffs as the guitar’s distortion complements each note. This delivers an edge to each individual song, one that highlights Thal’s drums with finesse and energy, whether it be in the slow pace of “Just Remember” or the fervent metric of “Forgive Me Dear.” In short, Her Chariot Awaits are a wonderful band who have delivered a truly impressive debut. For this, Cryptic Rock gives their self-titled album 5 of 5 stars.
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