Artist: The Chariot Album: Wars and Rumors of Wars Label: Solid State Records Rating: 6 out of 10

Georgia metalcore quintet the Chariot, formed by former Norma Jean frontman Josh Scogin after his 2002 departure from that formidable band, are back with their third album in five years, sporting the Biblically inspired title Wars and Rumors of Wars. Thankfully, the band doesn't stray too far from the barely controlled chaos that marked its first two Solid State Records-released full-lengths, Everything Is Alive, Everything Is Breathing, Nothing Is Dead, and Nothing Is Bleeding and The Fiancée. First single "Daggers," all pummeling, stop-start riffs and throat-searing roars, manages to be both brutal and catchy, while also incorporating a healthy dose of handclaps. Other highlights include the epic closer "Mrs. Montgomery Alabama III." and "Giveth," which features surprisingly subtle passages that slowly build until the band is ready to unleash its standard assault. Unfortunately, Wars does share some shortcomings with its predecessors: Clocking in at just over 30 minutes in length and featuring the group's now-standard 10 songs, you don't get a whole lot of bang for your buck here. Granted, a solid hour of the Chariot's chaotic, noisy metal might be a bit much – but you could pretty much fit all of the Chariot's releases inside of, say, a Tool or Metallica album, which cost the same. Also, despite the brief running time, there does seem to be a bit of padding here and there: the 44-second, seemingly unfinished "Oversea," the endlessly repeating notes that conclude the otherwise-solid "Impress." But former Solid State/Tooth & Nail Records bands like Zao have complained about how little studio time the label afforded them to craft each album, so it stands to reason the Chariot's records may be suffering for the same reason. Three albums into their career, the Chariot have yet to make a bad album; however, they also have yet to make one that's essential listening not only for their followers, but for metal fans in general. Maybe the next time around. – Todd Thatcher