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November 2024

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Tools of Creation: Adventures in Chaos

(Melodic) Heavy Rock

3.5/5.0

Unsigned/Self-promotion
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by Craig Hartranft,  04.11.2011

Canada's Tools of Creation (TOC) has a strong foothold in history. Their long awaited debut recording, Adventures in Chaos, burns the candle of great heavy, but melodic, rock that enriched the mid-Seventies to early Eighties, and still influences many bands to this day. Principals Ben Dimaria (v,g), Chris Rock (b), and Stewart Scharf form a power trio persuaded by music from The Beatles to The Doors, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath to Stevie Ray Vaughn and Zak Wylde. In one sense, Adventures in Chaos is loud, in your face, heavy rock, yet with a strong sense of melody. In another sense, it's warp back in time: there's nothing modern about Tools of Creation.

You'll hear the heaviness and lack of conformity from the start on Too Much Isn't Enough, a thick barn burning number. Crash Course and Crossroads also visit this theme as TOC grinds out the chords and their presence with thunder. Yet, while offering blistering rock, TOC can be persuasive without being overly heavy handed: Bridge Too Far, 17, the clever Wicked Things I Know, and the gutsy Bullets for Breakfast turn on more friendly hooks. Frankly, these are tracks that find TOC at their best. The production is a little rugged and foggy. However, for a totally DIY project, it sounds pretty good.

Unfortunately, unless you grow up with this sound or have a sense of rock history, Adventures in Chaos hasn't much viability, or chance for recognition, in the present 'hardcore' age. It's a shame really, and it's not TOC's fault. They're just doing what they love. I'm afraid, except for family, friends and fans, it will likely fall on deaf ears. But for classic rock: recommended!

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

In one sense, Adventures in Chaos is loud, in your face, heavy rock, yet with a strong sense of melody. In another sense, it's a warp back in time: there's nothing modern about Tools of Creation.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]