The current metal and rock scene seems to be over saturated with female fronted bands such as Miss Conduct, Paramore or Nightwish, leaving no room for anything new. However Chakra, the Leeds based quintet, are something rather special indeed, combining musical elements of Alice In Chains and Killswitch Engage with the more alternative, almost soul like, vocals of front women Emelyn Belle, giving the band their unique edge. 

Opening track “Better Daze” sounds more like Nirvana or early Muse layered with the powerful vocals and catchy, thought provoking lyrics before finally topping it all off with guitars that could give Hendrix a run for his money. “Karma” is a furious riff machine spliced together with elements of Breed 77, Lacuna Coil and even Iron Maiden but again the powerful vocals are what give the track its uniqueness.

Final track “Rain” is a much more ambient song, with a bit more of a pop feel to it, but still keeping the semi-acoustic Anathema like backing sound, which is overpowered by a powerful electric break mid song, which is the sound of a band soon to be filling stadiums! 

Chakra are one of the many great bands from the booming Leeds scene and their live set is as intense as it is serene. Why they aren’t signed yet is a mystery! Let’s just hope they don’t go the same way as the great Leeds alternative bands like Nerve Engine and Daigoro.

Contact: www.chakramusic.co.uk

Track Listing

Better Daze
Karma
Rain

Line Up

Emelyn Belle – Vocals
Damien Harley – Guitar
Keith McPartling – Drums
Kaz Shiomitsu – Guitar
Nick Trenaman – Bass