Chrome Division
Encyclopedia
Chrome Division is a heavy metal
band from Norway
formed in 2004 by Shagrath
, the lead vocalist of symphonic black metal
band Dimmu Borgir
, and Lex Icon, founder of The Kovenant
. Although it was not intended as such, it is now considered a side project of Shagrath's, and the current lineup consists of him on rhythm guitar, along with Eddie Guz from The Carburetors
as the vocalist, Ricky Black on lead guitar, Björn Luna on bass guitar and Tony White on drums. The band plays in the style of bands such as Motörhead, and draws heavily upon imagery from the motorcycling
subculture.
To date, Chrome Division has released two albums, Doomsday Rock 'n Roll in 2006 and Booze, Broads and Beelzebub
, was released in 2008, but the band has signed a three-album deal with Nuclear Blast
. Chrome Division also released a music video for the song "Serial Killer" in an attempt to publicise the album, directed by noted Swedish director Patrick Ullaeus.
and Stian Arnesen
, then of Dimmu Borgir
, in 1999. This consisted of the two musicians jamming
after Dimmu Borgir rehearsals. With Shagrath on guitars and Arnesen (or "Lex Icon") on drums, they recorded some material, but could take it no further due to their commitments to their other bands. Shagrath later claimed that Dimmu Borgir will always be his priority.
It was not until mid 2004 that the band was properly formed. Shagrath and Lex Icon once again met up, and by this time Lex Icon had left Dimmu Borgir and founded The Kovenant
. Shagrath had free time due to Dimmu Borgir taking a break after Ozzfest
. Shagrath got in contact with bassist Björn Luna (of Ashes to Ashes) and invited him to join them. The trio formed the base of Chrome Project. Luna then contacted Eddie Guz (of The Carburetors) who joined as vocalist, after Jarle Bernhoft of Span
, who tried out for the band, proved unable to take the job. Ricky Black, who usually played in a Swedish blues band, was the final member to be drafted in, this time as a guitarist. Shortly afterwards, Lex Icon was replaced with Tony White of Minis Tirith, because he was missing a large number of practice sessions, which was holding the band back. The band stated that there were "no hard feelings". Although Shagrath has said that he never meant for Chrome Division to be a side project, many critics have referred to it as such. Björn Luna has also stated that he considers Chrome Division to be a "proper band" rather than a side project.
to record the bands first album, Doomsday Rock 'n Roll, on December 4, 2005. The album was produced by Björn Bergesen, who was chosen for his commitment to the band and the fact that he was a fan of them. Chrome Division announced that they had signed with Nuclear Blast
on February 1, 2006. It was through Nuclear Blast that Doomsday Rock N' Roll was released on August 8, 2006, in North America, and slightly earlier in Norway, where it entered the charts at number 31. It received numerous positive reviews, and some that were less positive. The album was praised for being "fun and boisterous" by Ken Pierce, of SeaOfTranquility.org, but Jackie Smit, of Chronicles of Chaos, said "the band seemingly ends up having more [fun] than the listener". Although the album was described as being unoriginal by reviewers, Live-Metal.net's Jeff Maki claims that "what makes this album special is the high level of talent with which it is performed". Adam Harrold, of Rock Something, finished his review with the thought that the album "might not be smartest record of 2006, but it is the sweatiest." Chrome Division also recorded a music video for the song "Serial Killer" to publicise the album. The video was directed by Patrick Ullaeus, a Swedish director.
.
On January 15, 2008, Chrome Division announced they had finished recording their second album. It was recorded between January 7 and January 14, 2008, at Studio Fredmann. The album, entitled Booze, Broads and Beelzebub
, was released on July 18, 2008, with the band claiming it is "a much better sounding album than the first one".
In addition, the band issued a statement on their MySpace
confirming preparation for their third release.
On August 31, the band announced on its myspace that they had parted ways with singer Eddie Guz due to "lack of dedication and commitment to the band" adding that he had been replaced with Paul Mathiesen
(Shady Blue) a.k.a. Athera from Susperia
.
, Spiritual Beggars
and AC/DC
, and says that he wanted the band to sound like an '80s rock 'n roll heavy metal
band. He also talked about the band trying adhere to that image, through lyrical content and such. This was picked up on by Ken Pearce, of SeaOfTranquility.org who commented on the biker culture
imagery, which included the sound of a motorcycle revving up at the start of the track "Trouble with the Law". Reviewers compared the sound of the music to Motörhead, and Black Label Society
and compared the "fun" attitude of the band to Turbonegro
. Shagrath has said that future releases from the band will be "musically the same thing", but that they will "try to add different ingredients" and they may also change the lyrical content.
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band from Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
formed in 2004 by Shagrath
Shagrath
Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway....
, the lead vocalist of symphonic black metal
Symphonic black metal
Symphonic black metal is a black metal subgenre that emerged in the mid to late 1990s. The genre is known for its symphonic and orchestral elements and is centralized in Europe.-Characteristics:...
band Dimmu Borgir
Dimmu Borgir
Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian black metal band from Oslo, Norway, formed in 1993. Dimmu borgir means "dark cities" or "dark castles/fortresses" in Icelandic, Faroese and Old Norse. The name is derived from a volcanic formation in Iceland, Dimmuborgir...
, and Lex Icon, founder of The Kovenant
The Kovenant
The Kovenant is a Norwegian black metal band from Oslo/Hamar. The band originally formed as Covenant in 1993, but in 1999 were forced to change their name to The Kovenant due to a dispute with a Swedish electronic band of the same name....
. Although it was not intended as such, it is now considered a side project of Shagrath's, and the current lineup consists of him on rhythm guitar, along with Eddie Guz from The Carburetors
The carburetors
The Carburetors is a hard rock band from Oslo, Norway. The band was formed in 2001 and the music is based on boogie rock 'n' roll and metal. Their music has been said to be a mix of Chuck Berry and Motörhead....
as the vocalist, Ricky Black on lead guitar, Björn Luna on bass guitar and Tony White on drums. The band plays in the style of bands such as Motörhead, and draws heavily upon imagery from the motorcycling
Motorcycling
Motorcycling is the act of riding a motorcycle. A variety of subcultures and lifestyles have been built up around motorcycling.-Benefits:Robert M. Pirsig's book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was a paean celebrating motorcycling...
subculture.
To date, Chrome Division has released two albums, Doomsday Rock 'n Roll in 2006 and Booze, Broads and Beelzebub
Booze, Broads and Beelzebub
Booze, Broads and Beelzebub is the second studio album by Norwegian heavy metal band Chrome Division. It was released on July 18, 2008 through Nuclear Blast. The band announced that they had finished recording the album on January 15, 2008 on their MySpace blog, and announced the title and the...
, was released in 2008, but the band has signed a three-album deal with Nuclear Blast
Nuclear Blast
Nuclear Blast is an independent record label and mail order record distributor with subsidiaries in Germany, the United States and Brazil. The record label was founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger in Germany. Originally releasing hardcore punk records, the label moved on to releasing albums by melodic...
. Chrome Division also released a music video for the song "Serial Killer" in an attempt to publicise the album, directed by noted Swedish director Patrick Ullaeus.
Foundation and early history
The idea for the band was conceived by ShagrathShagrath
Shagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway....
and Stian Arnesen
Stian Arnesen
Nagash or Lex Icon is a Norwegian black metal musician. He plays guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and does vocals....
, then of Dimmu Borgir
Dimmu Borgir
Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian black metal band from Oslo, Norway, formed in 1993. Dimmu borgir means "dark cities" or "dark castles/fortresses" in Icelandic, Faroese and Old Norse. The name is derived from a volcanic formation in Iceland, Dimmuborgir...
, in 1999. This consisted of the two musicians jamming
Jam session
Jam sessions are often used by musicians to develop new material, find suitable arrangements, or simply as a social gathering and communal practice session. Jam sessions may be based upon existing songs or forms, may be loosely based on an agreed chord progression or chart suggested by one...
after Dimmu Borgir rehearsals. With Shagrath on guitars and Arnesen (or "Lex Icon") on drums, they recorded some material, but could take it no further due to their commitments to their other bands. Shagrath later claimed that Dimmu Borgir will always be his priority.
It was not until mid 2004 that the band was properly formed. Shagrath and Lex Icon once again met up, and by this time Lex Icon had left Dimmu Borgir and founded The Kovenant
The Kovenant
The Kovenant is a Norwegian black metal band from Oslo/Hamar. The band originally formed as Covenant in 1993, but in 1999 were forced to change their name to The Kovenant due to a dispute with a Swedish electronic band of the same name....
. Shagrath had free time due to Dimmu Borgir taking a break after Ozzfest
Ozzfest
Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States featuring performances by many heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne, both of whom also organize each yearly tour with their son Jack Osbourne...
. Shagrath got in contact with bassist Björn Luna (of Ashes to Ashes) and invited him to join them. The trio formed the base of Chrome Project. Luna then contacted Eddie Guz (of The Carburetors) who joined as vocalist, after Jarle Bernhoft of Span
Span (band)
SPAN was a Norwegian rock band that formed in 2000 from the ashes of two other outfits; Explicit Lyrics and Squid. Self-proclaimed as "Norwegian Turbo-Rock 'n' Roll Commandos" , the band spent much of the years between 2002 and 2004 touring the UK and Norway as well as spending a brief time in the...
, who tried out for the band, proved unable to take the job. Ricky Black, who usually played in a Swedish blues band, was the final member to be drafted in, this time as a guitarist. Shortly afterwards, Lex Icon was replaced with Tony White of Minis Tirith, because he was missing a large number of practice sessions, which was holding the band back. The band stated that there were "no hard feelings". Although Shagrath has said that he never meant for Chrome Division to be a side project, many critics have referred to it as such. Björn Luna has also stated that he considers Chrome Division to be a "proper band" rather than a side project.
Doomsday Rock 'n Roll (2004–2006)
It was this lineup that entered the Panzer Studio in OsloOslo
Oslo is a municipality, as well as the capital and most populous city in Norway. As a municipality , it was established on 1 January 1838. Founded around 1048 by King Harald III of Norway, the city was largely destroyed by fire in 1624. The city was moved under the reign of Denmark–Norway's King...
to record the bands first album, Doomsday Rock 'n Roll, on December 4, 2005. The album was produced by Björn Bergesen, who was chosen for his commitment to the band and the fact that he was a fan of them. Chrome Division announced that they had signed with Nuclear Blast
Nuclear Blast
Nuclear Blast is an independent record label and mail order record distributor with subsidiaries in Germany, the United States and Brazil. The record label was founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger in Germany. Originally releasing hardcore punk records, the label moved on to releasing albums by melodic...
on February 1, 2006. It was through Nuclear Blast that Doomsday Rock N' Roll was released on August 8, 2006, in North America, and slightly earlier in Norway, where it entered the charts at number 31. It received numerous positive reviews, and some that were less positive. The album was praised for being "fun and boisterous" by Ken Pierce, of SeaOfTranquility.org, but Jackie Smit, of Chronicles of Chaos, said "the band seemingly ends up having more [fun] than the listener". Although the album was described as being unoriginal by reviewers, Live-Metal.net's Jeff Maki claims that "what makes this album special is the high level of talent with which it is performed". Adam Harrold, of Rock Something, finished his review with the thought that the album "might not be smartest record of 2006, but it is the sweatiest." Chrome Division also recorded a music video for the song "Serial Killer" to publicise the album. The video was directed by Patrick Ullaeus, a Swedish director.
Booze, Broads and Beelzebub (2007–present)
Although there was no official release on the subject, Shagrath said in an interview with Live-Metal.net that Chrome Division had several new songs post Doomsday Rock 'n Roll, and that the band would probably try to produce a new album in mid 2007. Björn Luna also said that there was to be a second album in an interview on MetalEagle.com, and explained that the band has signed a three album contract with Nuclear BlastNuclear Blast
Nuclear Blast is an independent record label and mail order record distributor with subsidiaries in Germany, the United States and Brazil. The record label was founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger in Germany. Originally releasing hardcore punk records, the label moved on to releasing albums by melodic...
.
On January 15, 2008, Chrome Division announced they had finished recording their second album. It was recorded between January 7 and January 14, 2008, at Studio Fredmann. The album, entitled Booze, Broads and Beelzebub
Booze, Broads and Beelzebub
Booze, Broads and Beelzebub is the second studio album by Norwegian heavy metal band Chrome Division. It was released on July 18, 2008 through Nuclear Blast. The band announced that they had finished recording the album on January 15, 2008 on their MySpace blog, and announced the title and the...
, was released on July 18, 2008, with the band claiming it is "a much better sounding album than the first one".
In addition, the band issued a statement on their MySpace
MySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
confirming preparation for their third release.
On August 31, the band announced on its myspace that they had parted ways with singer Eddie Guz due to "lack of dedication and commitment to the band" adding that he had been replaced with Paul Mathiesen
Paul Mathiesen
Athera is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Susperia and Chrome Division.- Susperia :*Illusions of Evil *Predominance...
(Shady Blue) a.k.a. Athera from Susperia
Susperia
Susperia is a Norwegian black/thrash metal band formed in October 1998 by Tjodalv and Cyrus.The band was originally named Seven Sins, but since there was another band with that name they changed it to the title of the horror film Suspiria, but changed the spelling to avoid copyright issues...
.
Musical style
Shagrath cites Chrome Division's influences as Black Label SocietyBlack Label Society
Black Label Society is a heavy metal band formed by Zakk Wylde, with nine studio albums, one live album, two compilation albums, one EP, and three video albums released since formation of the band.-Formation and Sonic Brew :...
, Spiritual Beggars
Spiritual Beggars
Spiritual Beggars is a hard rock/stoner metal band from Halmstad, Sweden, formed by Michael Amott, who is known from Arch Enemy, Carcass and Carnage.- Biography :...
and AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
, and says that he wanted the band to sound like an '80s rock 'n roll heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band. He also talked about the band trying adhere to that image, through lyrical content and such. This was picked up on by Ken Pearce, of SeaOfTranquility.org who commented on the biker culture
Motorcycling
Motorcycling is the act of riding a motorcycle. A variety of subcultures and lifestyles have been built up around motorcycling.-Benefits:Robert M. Pirsig's book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was a paean celebrating motorcycling...
imagery, which included the sound of a motorcycle revving up at the start of the track "Trouble with the Law". Reviewers compared the sound of the music to Motörhead, and Black Label Society
Black Label Society
Black Label Society is a heavy metal band formed by Zakk Wylde, with nine studio albums, one live album, two compilation albums, one EP, and three video albums released since formation of the band.-Formation and Sonic Brew :...
and compared the "fun" attitude of the band to Turbonegro
Turbonegro
Turbonegro is a Norwegian punk rock band that was initially active from 1989 to 1998, and later reformed in 2002. Their style combines glam rock, punk rock and hard rock into a style the band describes as "deathpunk"....
. Shagrath has said that future releases from the band will be "musically the same thing", but that they will "try to add different ingredients" and they may also change the lyrical content.
Current lineup
- Shady Blue (aka Athera)Paul MathiesenAthera is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Susperia and Chrome Division.- Susperia :*Illusions of Evil *Predominance...
– vocals (also of SusperiaSusperiaSusperia is a Norwegian black/thrash metal band formed in October 1998 by Tjodalv and Cyrus.The band was originally named Seven Sins, but since there was another band with that name they changed it to the title of the horror film Suspiria, but changed the spelling to avoid copyright issues...
) - Ricky Black – lead guitar
- Stian Tomt Thoresen (aka Shagrath)ShagrathShagrath is a Norwegian musician best known as the vocalist of Dimmu Borgir.-Biography:Stian Thoresen was born on November 18, 1976 in Jessheim, outside of Oslo, Norway....
– rhythm guitar (also of Dimmu BorgirDimmu BorgirDimmu Borgir is a Norwegian black metal band from Oslo, Norway, formed in 1993. Dimmu borgir means "dark cities" or "dark castles/fortresses" in Icelandic, Faroese and Old Norse. The name is derived from a volcanic formation in Iceland, Dimmuborgir...
) - Björn Luna – bass guitar (also of Ashes to Ashes)
- Tony White(Tony Kirkemo) – drums (previously of Old Man's ChildOld Man's ChildOld Man's Child is a black metal band from Norway. The band is the brainchild of Galder who is the only permanent member of the band now.-Formation:...
)
Former members
- Lex Icon – drums (previously of Dimmu BorgirDimmu BorgirDimmu Borgir is a Norwegian black metal band from Oslo, Norway, formed in 1993. Dimmu borgir means "dark cities" or "dark castles/fortresses" in Icelandic, Faroese and Old Norse. The name is derived from a volcanic formation in Iceland, Dimmuborgir...
and currently with The KovenantThe KovenantThe Kovenant is a Norwegian black metal band from Oslo/Hamar. The band originally formed as Covenant in 1993, but in 1999 were forced to change their name to The Kovenant due to a dispute with a Swedish electronic band of the same name....
) - Eddie Guz – Vocals (also of The CarburetorsThe carburetorsThe Carburetors is a hard rock band from Oslo, Norway. The band was formed in 2001 and the music is based on boogie rock 'n' roll and metal. Their music has been said to be a mix of Chuck Berry and Motörhead....
)
Discography
- Doomsday Rock 'n Roll (2006), Nuclear BlastNuclear BlastNuclear Blast is an independent record label and mail order record distributor with subsidiaries in Germany, the United States and Brazil. The record label was founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger in Germany. Originally releasing hardcore punk records, the label moved on to releasing albums by melodic...
- Booze, Broads and BeelzebubBooze, Broads and BeelzebubBooze, Broads and Beelzebub is the second studio album by Norwegian heavy metal band Chrome Division. It was released on July 18, 2008 through Nuclear Blast. The band announced that they had finished recording the album on January 15, 2008 on their MySpace blog, and announced the title and the...
(2008), Nuclear BlastNuclear BlastNuclear Blast is an independent record label and mail order record distributor with subsidiaries in Germany, the United States and Brazil. The record label was founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger in Germany. Originally releasing hardcore punk records, the label moved on to releasing albums by melodic... - Third Round Knockout (2011), Nuclear BlastNuclear BlastNuclear Blast is an independent record label and mail order record distributor with subsidiaries in Germany, the United States and Brazil. The record label was founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger in Germany. Originally releasing hardcore punk records, the label moved on to releasing albums by melodic...
External links
- Official site
- Nuclear Blast Records
- Chrome Division at DiscogsDiscogsDiscogs, short for discographies, is a website and database of information about audio recordings, including commercial releases, promotional releases, and bootleg or off-label releases. The Discogs servers, currently hosted under the domain name discogs.com, are owned by Zink Media, Inc., and are...
- Fan Forum