Album Review: Chrome Division - One Last Ride

After a handful of albums, Chrome Division have proclaimed that One Last Ride will be their final outing of hedonistic biker metal.

Boasting Dimmu Borgir frontman Shagrath on guitar, the Norwegian gang have donned their motorcycle jackets one last time, determined to go out in one giant blaze of whiskey-soaked, cigarette-tarred glory. Their collective joy is often infectious throughout these cuts; even on the title track when they cheesily, but genuinely, thank supporters and former bandmates.

Fittingly, the group invited Eddie Guz – their original vocalist who left in 2009 - back to sing on the final record. His return adds a little more dirt under the proverbial fingernails of their sound, which incorporates Motörhead, early AC/DC and Black Label Society among its reference points. There are no new ideas here, but they're clearly having a blast. Blistering guitar solos abound, and the testosterone levels on cuts like Back In Town, raucous We Drink and I'm On Fire Tonight are at sufficient levels that even Rose Tattoo might advise that they tone down the bravado and machismo. Meanwhile, pop singer Misssela lending some soulful guest vocals to Walk Away In Shame provides a welcome sonic counterpoint.

Chrome Division might not have broken any ground within the hard rock scene, but they certainly didn't detract from it either. One Last Ride isn’t high art, but it's definitely high on life.