Chaos Doctrine // The Chaos Chronicles Vol II & III // Album Review

South African powerhouse Chaos Doctrine are set to release the next installments of “The Chaos Chronicles”, Vol II & III, on the 29th of August, it sees the band reworking some of their earlier tracks with some demos, some live and a few new ones thrown in for good measure, their distinct blend of thrash with death and technical metal elements are on full display here giving you one hell of a listening experience.

The obvious starting point is Vol II, with a total of eleven tracks, nine of which are remixes or alternate versions with collabs and two live ones. First up is “Blood Serpent God (Xibalba remix)”; still as brutal as the original but with more of an industrial feel, with a big techno element featuring Ryno Theron on lead guitar. “Trail (Hamelin Mix)” is not a million miles away from the original, the main difference being Buchanan Marais’ flute and pan flute; the drum beat that drives this one is immense, a crushing track. “Father Grigori (with Demeter Grail)” is reworked in Russian, with Demeter Grail providing savage vocals.

“Cult MMXXI” is a remaster of a remix. Originally, “Cult” was released as the band’s first single in 2017 and redone in 2021 to commemorate it. This version is cleaned up and sharper to give it a more enhanced listening experience. “Black Friday Bedlam (Inga Svenska Gudar Mix)” in its original form is a blistering track, and the latest incarnation is no different, still as relentless and hard-hitting but more sonically appealing with a similar treatment given to 2022’s “Martyr(Jeanne D’arc Mix with Laura Cayzer)”. “Heretic(Amenhotep IV Remix)” is a complete 180 from what the original; gone are the pounding drums, crushing riffs and pulsating bass line, replaced by an industrial-influenced techno beat that is oddly appealing. “The Rite(Devil Divas & Harps Mix)” keeps its core sound and heft with the major changes coming in the shape of Bronwyn Bing on vocals and Craig MacKinnon adding some classy harmonica to the maelstrom. The next two tracks, “One Of My Bad Days” and “Lifting The Veil”, are live recordings from June 24 and perfectly encapsulate the sheer power and raw energy of the band. The quality may not be the best, but it tells you all you need to know about these guys and their love for what they do. Vol II ends with “Christ Church Horizon(Ecclesia Non Grata Remix)” and sees all forms of metal withdrawn; the track contains no vocals, drums or guitar, all replaced by an ambient techno track.

Vol III brings us three new tracks and six tracks that are a collection of old demos from the first two albums.

Brand new track “The Rite(Verse II)” kicks it all off with a heavy bass line that drives the track which in itself is a stoner grunge style number with industrial overtones, the vocals are savage but its the low end beat that gets you, the funky keyboard riff adds some intrigue to an overall monster track, a little scatterbrained at times but that is all part of the appeal. “Bayonet(2024 Demo)” is a short, fast thrasher that will blow your socks off. The drum beat is relentless, with Dr D spitting vocals with as much rage and anger as can be mustered inside of two minutes. Blistering is all I can say. “Hidden Hand(2024 Demo)”, another unreleased track, is a hard hitting groove machine that has one hell of a rhythm with its kicking drum beat and massive bass line, killer riffs and monster vocals, the guitar solo midway through is a real high spot, while the orchestral addition brings a bit of variety to an otherwise heavy track, this is a deadly track. The remaining tracks are demos from “Chaos Doctrine” and “And In The Beginning… They Lied” and offer an insight into the coming together of the tracks before they made their respective albums.

Overall all this is a wildly entertaining trip down Chaos Doctrine’s memory lane, one that will be enjoyed by die-hard and new fans alike.

Review: Conor

Vol II: Reinventions & Collaborations (12 tracks + SA‑bbath tribute)

Remixes & Alternate Versions

“Blood Serpent God” (Xibalba Remix) ft. Ryno Theron & Anna Hel
“Trial” (Hamelin Remix) ft. Buchanan Marais (vocals, flute)
“Heretic” (Amenhotep IV Remix) – industrial/dubstep hybrid
“The Rite” (Devil Divas & Harps Mix) ft. Bronwyn Bing & Craig MacKinnon
“Christ Church Horizon” (Ecclesia Non Grata Remix) – all‑instrumental

2024 Remasters

“Father Grigori” (Russian version) ft. Demether Grail
“Cult MMXXI” – celebrating their 2017 debut single
“Black Friday Bedlam” (Inga Svenska Gudar Remix) – originally ft. Jörgen Sandström
“Martyr” (Jeanne d’Arc version) ft. Laura Cayzer
Live Recordings from June 2024
“One of My Bad Days”
“Lifting the Veil”

Bonus (Physical Edition)