With 20 years of existence (and counting), West Flanders’ Chalice can be safely named a veteran in the Belgian metal scene. “Lost Connection” serves as an appetizer for a future full length; as “Closure” was a trailer for “Ashes Of Hope”.

The experience of the five-piece shows. Their combination of solid thrashy metal with some catchy melodies is nothing but good. Recording at Midas Studio never fails and they have an excellent singer. Still, compared to “There Is Nothing” and “Ashes Of Hope” I miss some vigor.

“Why” plods on in the same tempo, and “Dwelling” is a somber piece of melodic metal that’s quite nice but kinda falls between the melancholy and the metal. Still, the 2 songs on “Closure” worked really well in “Ashes Of Hope”, so maybe these songs will work really good in a full length. Chalice serves a solid release. Not really my taste, but you can’t deny the craftsmanship.

Release date: January 18th, 2020
Label: Independent
Tracklist:

1. Why
2. Dwelling