I'm pretty sure Chontaraz (who is both the namesake and frontman of the band) would dispute this, but the difference between this album and, say, KMFDM is a razor through a hair's-breadth. Infusing just the barest hint of black metal into a crunchy industrial attack (aided by new member and producer Fotis Benardo, who also answers to Narwhal), Chontaraz rips through uptempo industrial grooves and darkwave horror with aplomb.

Chontaraz Phantom of Reality (SAOL)

But these guys are metal! From Hell, Norway! Okay, so that seems to be mostly true. At this point, however, Chontaraz is based in Athens and has acquired many non-Scandinavian influences. The best example of this is the exquisite lead track, "Istanbul".

There are plenty of orchestral moments in addition to the ones on that track. The band liberally employs keyboards and soundscape elements within its bruising sound, and Chontaraz has an admirable vocal range that goes from a growl to actual melody depending on the setting.

So are they metal posers? Eh. Metal is probably the most creative sound in popular music today, and it has been for most of this millennium. Almost anything can be metal, and metal can be almost anywhere. It's a catchall name that is increasingly useless as a descriptor. I don't care. Chontaraz is best played loud, and these songs are crunchy and catchy as hell. From Norway to Athens, with love. Or hate. Or whatever.

Jon Worley