NIRATIAS

Last updated

NIRATIAS
Chevelle NIRATIAS Cover Art 2021.jpg
Studio album by
Chevelle
ReleasedMarch 5, 2021
Recorded2019–2020 [1]
Studio Pasadena, California [1]
Genre
Length50:36
Label Epic
Producer Joe Barresi
Chevelle chronology
12 Bloody Spies
(2018)		NIRATIAS
(2021)
Singles from NIRATIAS
  1. "Self Destructor"
    Released: January 8, 2021
  2. "Peach"
    Released: January 29, 2021
  3. "Remember When"
    Released: February 19, 2021
  4. "Endlessly"
    Released: March 5, 2021
  5. "Mars Simula"
    Released: May 1, 2021

NIRATIAS (an acronym for "Nothing Is Real and This Is a Simulation") is the ninth studio album by American rock band Chevelle, released on March 5, 2021. It was preceded by four singles: "Self Destructor", "Peach", "Remember When", and "Endlessly". The album was produced by Joe Barresi and was their first studio album in five years, the previous being 2016's The North Corridor . It is also their first album as a two-piece, as bassist Dean Bernardini left the band in late 2019. It marked the final album on their contract with long-time label Epic Records; future music from the band will be released independently. [2]

Contents

Unlike previous Chevelle albums, NIRATIAS is a concept album, with more instrumental and spoken word tracks, dealing with themes such as interstellar travel, mistrust in leadership, loss, and the past.

Background

In June 2019, it was announced that the band entered the studio with producer Joe Barresi, who also produced their last three albums. [1] [3] Drummer Sam Loeffler stated they had been writing material for a year and a half, meaning the writing process of this album has taken longer than their other albums. [3] The band recorded eight songs in 2019 and the other five were finished by March 2020. [1] Speaking about the lyrical direction of the album, vocalist Pete Loeffler stated:

"It has a lot of space to it, a lot of interstellar travel to it. You've got Elon Musk trying to get to Mars and that was completely fascinating to me so when I write lyrics, it's just kind of made its way in there. As you'll see with the cover, it's sort of space themed as well. [1]

Artwork for the album is by Boris Vallejo, also known for designing the posters used for films like Knightriders and National Lampoon's Vacation . [1] The title of the album is an acronym for "Nothing Is Real and This Is a Simulation" [1] [4] Producer Joe Barresi challenged the band to write more melodic songs, as opposed to the darker and heavier material from their past two albums. [3]

About the music on NIRATIAS, Pete said, "It's just more melodic singing over heavy stuff...It's not as much screaming on this album, for sure." [5]

Release

On November 6, 2020, the band uploaded a video stating that a their new album has already been completed and was awaiting release. [3] On November 8, 2020, the band released an acoustic version of the new song "Endlessly". [3] The band released a music video for the lead single, "Self Destructor" on January 8, 2021. [6] [7] [8] The album was released on March 5, 2021. [6] [7] [8] [9] On January 25, 2021, the band revealed the track listing. [9] On January 29, 2021, the band released the second single from the album, "Peach". [10] On February 19, 2021, the band released the third single from the album, "Remember When". [11] On March 5, 2021, the band released the fourth single from the album, "Endlessly". [12] On May 1, 2021, the band released a music video for the album's fifth single "Mars Simula". [13] [14] "Self Destructor" is included in the 2021 film, Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard . [15]

Composition and themes

NIRATIAS has been described as alternative metal, [16] [17] [18] hard rock, [16] alternative rock, [19] progressive rock, [20] art rock, [20] and demonstrates science-fiction themes. [20] The opener "Verruckt" is an instrumental song that contains "sludgy stoner-doom metal" riffs. [16] "So Long, Mother Earth" is a song about space exploration and AllMusic compared it to "Tool's dystopian art-metal". [21] The closing track "Lost in Digital Woods" is a spoken word [22] and ambient [21] Overall, the album is more melodic and contains less screaming than their last two albums. [5] AllMusic described the album as a "sci-fi fever dream". [21]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [21]
The Spill MagazineStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [16]
SputnikmusicStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [23]

James Christopher Monger of AllMusic praised NIRATIAS as a "visceral sci-fi fever dream that pairs tight, caustic riffage with billowing melodic contrails". He criticized the absence of former bassist Dean Bernardini, stating, "It's in these beefier numbers that the absence of Bernardini is felt -- in addition to handling vocals, guitar, and piano, Pete Loeffler was tasked with filling in on bass as well, and while his parts are more than adequate, the paucity of low-end throughout NIRATIAS is hard to ignore." [21]

Gerrod Harris of The Spill Magazine stated, "Chevelle has written the soundtrack warning of the dystopian future that looks more like Blade Runner and Total Recall than we'd like on NIRATIAS. The album ties together a tight recorded performance that sounds larger than life along with strong, unique songwriting that propelled Chevelle forward for just over 20 years." [16] The staff review at Sputnikmusic generally praised the album for being slightly different due to its "interlude-filled tracklist and a sort of unifying theme throughout" though conceded that they were really only "baby steps" towards making a different sounding Chevelle album, hoping that they choose to "branch out more" on their next album. [23]

Accolades

PublicationAccoladeRank
Loudwire The 45 Best Rock + Metal Albums of 2021
26 [24]

Track listing

All music is composed by Chevelle

NIRATIAS track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Verruckt" (instrumental)3:31
2."So Long, Mother Earth"4:52
3."Mars Simula"4:11
4."Sleep the Deep" (instrumental)1:06
5."Self Destructor"5:47
6."Piistol Star (Gravity Heals)"4:49
7."VVurmhole" (instrumental)0:19
8."Peach"4:16
9."Test Test…Enough"2:08
10."Endlessly"5:14
11."Remember When"4:29
12."Ghost and Razor"5:51
13."Lost in Digital Woods"4:03
Total length:50:36

Personnel

Credits for NIRATIAS adapted from liner notes.

Charts

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevelle (band)</span> American rock band

Chevelle is an American rock band formed in Grayslake, Illinois, in 1995. The band was originally composed of two brothers, Pete Loeffler and Sam Loeffler, along with Matt Scott. Scott was replaced by Sam and Pete's brother, Joe Loeffler, in 1996. When Joe left the band in 2005, Geno Lenardo subbed in as the touring bassist until he was replaced by Pete and Sam's brother-in-law, Dean Bernardini. Bernardini departed from the band in 2019, and in 2021, Kemble Walters joined the band as a touring bassist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pete Loeffler</span> Musical artist

Peter Loeffler is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter of the rock band Chevelle alongside his brother, drummer Sam Loeffler.

<i>Vena Sera</i> 2007 studio album by Chevelle

Vena Sera is the fourth studio album by American rock band Chevelle, released on April 3, 2007, through Epic Records. Many of the tracks on this album were based on material from unreleased songs the band had previously recorded. The term "Vena Sera" is ungrammatical Latin for "vein liquids".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)</span> 2004 single by Chevelle

"Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" is a song by American rock band Chevelle. It was released in August 2004 as the lead single from their third studio album, This Type of Thinking (Could Do Us In). It was their second number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and reached number three on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Well Enough Alone</span> 2007 single by Chevelle

"Well Enough Alone" is a song by American rock band Chevelle. It is the first single from the album Vena Sera and was released to radio the week of February 13, 2007. According to lead singer Pete Loeffler, "Well Enough Alone" was an unreleased song that had been recorded prior to the release of their third album This Type of Thinking , before it was refined for Vena Sera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Red (song)</span> 2002 single by Chevelle

"The Red" is a song by American rock band Chevelle. It is the fifth track and lead single from their major label debut, Wonder What's Next, released in 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Clincher</span> 2005 single by Chevelle

"The Clincher" is a song by American rock band Chevelle, released as the second single from the band's third album This Type of Thinking . The song is about claustrophobia, as confirmed by Sam Loeffler. Despite this, many people still mistakenly infer that the song is the band's take on The Passion of Christ, due to lyrics like "helped to nail down" which refers to the crucifixion. The song appears on the soundtrack to the video games Madden NFL 2005 and Guitar Hero Live.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevelle discography</span>

The American rock band Chevelle has released nine studio albums, two compilation albums, three live albums, two video albums, 28 singles, 19 music videos, and five promotional singles. The band was originally formed in 1995 by two brothers Pete Loeffler and Sam Loeffler, along with Matt Scott. Shortly after forming, Scott was replaced by Sam and Pete's brother, Joe Loeffler in 1996. Joe left the band in 2005 and Geno Lenardo joined as the touring bassist until he was replaced by Pete and Sam's brother-in-law, Dean Bernardini. Bernardini later left the band in 2019.

<i>Sci-Fi Crimes</i> 2009 studio album by Chevelle

Sci-Fi Crimes is the fifth studio album by American rock band Chevelle, released on August 31, 2009 through Epic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Letter from a Thief</span> 2009 single by Chevelle

"Letter from a Thief" is a song by American rock band Chevelle. The song serves the second single from the band's album, Sci-Fi Crimes. It was released on December 7, 2009. Chevelle originally debuted this track on April 9, 2009, at a concert in Atlanta. Frontman Pete Loeffler said the song is about a personal experience for the band when their gear was stolen in Dallas, and his prized red PRS guitar seen in the video for "Send the Pain Below" was stolen, along with the rest of the band's gear, and returned by a man in California who returned the guitar to PRS after learning it was Loeffler's.

<i>Hats Off to the Bull</i> 2011 studio album by Chevelle

Hats Off to the Bull is the sixth studio album by American rock band Chevelle, released on December 6, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hats Off to the Bull (song)</span> 2012 single by Chevelle

"Hats Off to the Bull" is a song by American rock band Chevelle. It is the second single from the band's sixth studio album, Hats Off to the Bull. The song also appears on the band's greatest hits album, Stray Arrows: A Collection of Favorites.

<i>Stray Arrows: A Collection of Favorites</i> 2012 compilation album by Chevelle

Stray Arrows: A Collection of Favorites is the first compilation album by American rock band Chevelle, released on December 4, 2012. It includes remastered versions of several hit songs, along with a previously unreleased B-side entitled "Fizgig." The songs on the standard track listing all cracked the top 10 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks, with "Send the Pain Below", "Vitamin R ", "Face to the Floor" and "Hats Off to the Bull" all reaching the No. 1 spot.

<i>La Gárgola</i> 2014 studio album by Chevelle

La Gárgola is the seventh studio album by American rock band Chevelle. It was released on April 1, 2014 in the US and on June 9, 2014 in the UK.

<i>The North Corridor</i> 2016 studio album by Chevelle

The North Corridor is the eighth studio album by American rock band Chevelle, released on July 8, 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let You Down (Seether song)</span> 2017 single by Seether

"Let You Down" is a song by South African rock band Seether. It is the first single from their seventh studio album Poison the Parish. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bulletproof (Godsmack song)</span> 2018 song by Godsmack

"Bulletproof" is a song by American rock band Godsmack. It was the first single off of their seventh studio album When Legends Rise.

<i>12 Bloody Spies</i> 2018 compilation album by Chevelle

12 Bloody Spies is the second compilation album by American rock band Chevelle. The album was released on October 26, 2018 by Epic Records. The album consists of B-sides, rarities, covers, and remixes recorded between 2003 and 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Self Destructor</span> 2021 single by Chevelle

"Self Destructor" is a song by American rock band Chevelle. The song was released as the lead single from the band's ninth studio album Niratias. The single reached no. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, becoming the band's sixth song to do so, and 35th on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. This track is included in the 2021 film, Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard. James LaBrie called it his favorite song of 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Chapeltown Rag</span> 2021 single by Slipknot

"The Chapeltown Rag" is a song by American heavy metal band Slipknot. Produced by Joe Barresi, it was released on November 5, 2021, as the first single from the band's album The End, So Far.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Chevelle's Pete and Sam Loeffler Discuss 'NIRATIAS' Songwriting and Recording Process". Blabbermouth . February 15, 2021. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Chevelle Has 'A Whole Bunch Of Music Written' For Next Studio Album". Blabbermouth.net . October 12, 2022. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Childers, Chad (November 8, 2020). "Chevelle Return With Acoustic Version of New Song 'Endlessly'". Loudwire . Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  4. ↑ Johnson, Josh (February 19, 2021). "Listen to new Chevelle song, "Remember When"". ABC News . Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  5. 1 2 Johnson, Josh (February 3, 2021). "Chevelle hearkens back to the early days with "melodic," "Muse-y" guitar riffs on upcoming 'NIRATIAS' album". ABC News . Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  6. 1 2 "Chevelle To Release New Single 'Self Destructor' This Friday". Blabbermouth.net . January 6, 2021. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  7. 1 2 Childers, Chad (January 8, 2021). "Chevelle Drop Aggressive 'Self Destructor,' Announce New Album". Loudwire . Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  8. 1 2 "Chevelle Return With New Single "Self Destructor"". Heavy Mag. January 8, 2021. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  9. 1 2 "Chevelle Unveil Track Listing For New Album "NIRATIAS"". The PRP. January 25, 2021. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  10. ↑ Kennelty, Greg (January 29, 2021). "Chevelle Streams Mid-Paced New Single "Peach"". Metal Injection. Retrieved March 2, 2021.
  11. ↑ Kaufman, Spencer (February 19, 2021). "Chevelle Unveil Anthemic New Single 'Remember When': Stream". Consequence . Retrieved July 17, 2022.
  12. ↑ Kennelty, Greg (March 6, 2021). "Chevelle Sticks to Being Atmospheric in New Song "Endlessly"". Metal Injection. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Chevelle Releases Music Video For 'Mars Simula'". Blabbermouth.net . May 1, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Chevelle release "Mars Simula" music video". Next Mosh. May 3, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  15. ↑ Hough, Q.V. (June 21, 2021). "The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard Soundtrack Guide: Every Song Explained". Screen Rant . Retrieved June 28, 2021.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 Harris, Gerrod (March 16, 2021). "Spill Album Review: Chevelle - NIRATIAS". The Spill Magazine. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  17. ↑ Hobson, Rich (December 16, 2021). "Top 10 alt-metal albums of 2021". Metal Hammer. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  18. ↑ Enis, Eli (June 16, 2021). "Fan Poll: 5 Best Albums of 2021 So Far". Revolver . Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Chevelle – NIRATIAS – Album Review". March 8, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  20. 1 2 3 Hadusek, Jon (July 26, 2021). "Chevelle Announce 2021 US Tour". Consequence . Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 Monger, James Christopher. "NIRATIAS - Chevelle". AllMusic . Retrieved March 19, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Chevelle Releases Lyric Video For New Song 'Endlessly'". Blabbermouth.net. March 5, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  23. 1 2 Stanciu, Raul (March 5, 2021). "Chevelle NIRATIAS". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
  24. ↑ "The 45 Best Rock + Metal Albums of 2021". Loudwire . December 10, 2021. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Chevelle Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  26. ↑ "Chevelle Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Chevelle Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Chevelle Chart History (Top Hard Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Chevelle Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  30. ↑ "Top Rock Albums – Year-End 2021". Billboard . Retrieved December 14, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.