There is a deep well of inspiration that remains criminally untapped. It flows from the early 90s. It flows from across the pond. And it flows from bands like Jeromes Dream, City Of Caterpillar, Portrait and Pg.99. It is the screaming, thrashing, dark and fierce sound of emo-violence. Here in the UK no one has truly been able to match the fiery rage of that sound like Chariots. A shame then that 'The Inner Life' is the last you'll hear of them.

Yes, this band is over. But that hasn't stopped them twitching back to life for one final flourish before the coffin is sealed. And from start to finish 'The Inner Life' encapsulates the frustration and boiling annoyance of years spent toiling on the road for little reward. And explodes with all the free reign fury and fuse-finishing glory of a band with nothing left to lose. 'Last Judgement' slithers around like some awful nightmare screamed out in a foreign language, 'Albany' revels in this band's use of light and shade, brawn and brains and the title track mulches all the experimental and inventive genre names you care to mention into a dark and powerful six-minute closer.

Whether or not the Chariots' output will be rediscovered, re-evaluated and rejoiced upon in future years in unquestionable, this stuff is surely guaranteed to be declared a national treasure eventually, but for now, cue the end credits.

Rating: 4/5 by Simon T Diplock

Tracklisting

1. The Red Note Book
2. Last Judgement
3. Albany
4. Sacred Datura
5. The Inner Life

Further links

Holy Roar records.com

Home of Phoenix Bodies, Rolo Tomassi, Cutting Pink With Knives and more!

Chariots on Myspace (myspace.com/chariotsuk)

MySpace page for the now-defunct UK emo-violence crew