Chaos Magic - Chaos Magic (2015)

Chaos magic is defined as an attitude or philosophy that promotes experimentation, play, and creativity while discarding dogmatic rules. It’s also a fitting description for the self-titled debut album ‘Chaos Magic’ released by the label, Frontiers Music. Written, produced and, for the most part, performed, by one-time Stratovarius guitarist, Timo Tolkki, the intention was to showcase the vocal talents of Chilean front-woman Caterina Nix. Although developed as a nurturing project for Nix’s vocals, it is evident that Chaos Magic have produced some magic of their own here despite the presence of notable influences. The question though, is this - is Nix the real deal, or a pretender to the throne?
From the big orchestral and choral introduction to the opening track/debut single “I’m Alive”, the strength and chemistry within this collaborative pairing is blatant. The anthemic chorus catches you off guard and envelops you within it, as a great chorus should. With a strong eighties vibe running throughout, reminiscent in places of Jim Steinman at his best, you want get out of your chair, punch the air and sing along. This experience recurs throughout the album. Highlights include “One Drop of Blood,” which oozes power on guitars and drums by Jami Huovinen, from beginning to end. Another single-worthy, and one of the more interesting tracks in regards to Tolkii’s production, is the beautiful and sincerely passionate “A Little Too Late”. Using the vocal harmony as its own hook line, it is almost impossible not to get lost in this infectious track that highlights Tolkii’s talents as a producer.
If Nix is a name not well known within the scene at present, it is fair to say that she has paid her dues. No stranger to collaboration, Nix has already produced one album, ‘Oxygen’ in 2008 with her Santiago-based outfit Aghonya and has extensively collaborated with many well-known names from Amaranthe to Nightwish. With ‘Chaos Magic,’ Nix has taken the skills she has learned and applied them to the riff-heavy, symphonic songwriting of Tolkki to strike out on her own. Together, Nix and Tolkki have created something that is audibly pleasant, spiritually uplifting, and in every way exciting.
Yet if Nix has given us something very personal on this debut, and Tolkki’s clever arrangements and production do exactly as intended to nurture and supporting Nix’s voice, sometimes it feels like there’s a little too much support. In tracks like “Dangerous Game,” Nix’s vocals seem to struggle a little to match the power of the music in places, often resting inside it rather than rising above it and owning it. At times, Tolkki’s arrangements work for, and even carry Nix’s voice, as opposed to letting it stand on its own legs. Vocally, Nix is often at her most successful when the music is pared back and she sings from the heart with genuine sincerity, delivering each note, word and phrase perfectly. One can only hope these two intend to collaborate further, with the aim of making Chaos Magic an outfit we think of when we think of the best in this domain. At the very least, Tolkki has given us some examples of exemplary songwriting and production working around Nix’s voice.
As an album, ‘Chaos Magic’ is a high-octane, get-out-of-your-seat-and-let-loose, good night out. As a showcase for Nix’s vocals, it serves her well. But will Nix join the likes of Amy Lee,Cristina Scabbia and Sharon Den Adel to take her place amongst the best women in metal? It might be too early to tell, but on the evidence of ‘Chaos Magic’, it’s certainly not off the cards.

by Carl O'Rourke, metalwani.com