Swedish band THE CHUCK NORRIS EXPERIMENT have been around for about a decade at this point, formed way back in 2004 and with a dozen or so releases to their name if you count in EPs, split releases and live albums. “Right Between the Eyes” is their most recent studio production, and was released through Swedish label Transubstans Records in the early spring of 2014.
What we’re dealing with here is a tight and experienced band that hovers somewhere along the borders between punk, hard rock and metal. They know perfectly well what they want to achieve and how to get about doing it, and I’d wager a guess that this is a fairly experienced live band from what I can hear on this album. And even if they might not be, I’m certain that they are a vibrant and fun band to see and hear on stage.
Their music isn’t the most sophisticated I’ve encountered, to put it that way, this isn’t a band that dabbles in multiple themes, odd compositional structures or anything of that nature. They do add in some keyboards and piano on occasion, adding a gentler touch to the proceedings, but these are supplemental details only. The main focus here appears to be drive, energy and momentum.
They have a solid drummer willing and able to deliver his part with relative ease, and a bassist I kind of suspect is rather familiar with the production of Judas Priest. At least that is a frequent association I get when listening to those pumping bass lines, with the album Desert Plains as a possible reference. The guitars are bit more varies, with tight, ballsy riffs that are either loud and dominating, compact and driving or slower paced and subtly more harmony oriented. In terms of references punk in general, as well as AC/DC, with some arena rock tendencies thrown in for good measure.
As this production unfolded, I did start to note down one specific reference more and more often, especially on the longer tracks. Perhaps because I’m Norwegian, but Turbonegro came to mind rather frequently when listening to this album. In terms of arrangements, the punky vibes, the riff constructions and the raspy, subtly theatrical vocals. Even some of the backing vocal details and guitar solo details. This might be accidental of course, or associations brought on from a flawed memory of a band I’m only partially familiar with, but the Turbonegro association does stick, and then in particular the Hank von Helvete era of that band.
But whatever associations that may or may not be present, The Chuck Norris Experiment comes across as a vital and vibrant band exploring music on the borders between hard rock, metal and punk. Tight, vibrant guitar riff constructions used in energetic and intense songs with plenty of momentum appears to be their main field of excellence as I experience them, and as far as standout tracks are concerned Black Leather is my number one choice, closely followed by Earth Is Shaking Tonight and The World Burns.
My rating: 82/100
