CHORAL HEARSE is based out Berlin, Germany, yet its members originate from different corners of the globe: United States, Algeria, Hungary, and Israel. Their sound has been compared to such bands as: OPETH, CHELSEA WOLFE, MR. BUNGLE, A PERFECT CIRCLE, and RADIOHEAD.  This full-length record entitled "Mire Exhumed" contains 10 tracks and a total of 43:21 minutes of music.

The opener "Chronic Departure" has all the makings of a RADIOHEAD track, with high pitch vocals that do have a Thom Yorke feel to them. "Confession" has a great bass and guitar tone in its initial moments, and there is a distinct OPETH presence to the song, especially in the way the guitars are used, and I would also say in its dark tones, it also reflects the musical influence of ALICE IN CHAINS. The vocals are also different at times, with some very low notes and screams, akin to Mike Patton.

"A Hideous Revelation" is a calm piece that could have fit perfectly on OPETH's "Damnation" album. The song "Distorted Perception" is very straight to the point, with simpler riffing, and a more alternative vibe to it. "Once Again" reminds me of 90s grunge ballads, a nice nostalgic touch. "Engulfed" is a short heavy and crunchy piece showing off the more metallic aspects of the band and one of the stronger and more memorable tracks is "Mutation", it has that it factor that sticks to your memory. "Abduction" is very doomy and could have been part of MR. BUNGLE's illustrious catalogue, quite the experimental and chaotic track.  In contrast we have "Elucidated" which is more serene, has some nice heavy tempo changes, my second favorite track of the album by far.  "Better Kill The Flies" has a wonderful apocalyptic tone as well.

Overall, this album serves a lot of different influences, as stated above, but they definitely do mesh well together. It does take some getting used to with the vocals, as it sometimes feel drastically different from the music, but you definitely need to give this album a few listens, as it shows off a great deal of musical talent.Overall: 8<