Review by MartinDavey87 for Fozzy - Chasing the Grail (2010)

They outlived the comedy covers band gimmick, and made it past the novelty of being a wrestler-fronted originals band. Now, after a five-year gap since their last album, Fozzy are back once again with a rip-roaring slice of metal goodness! Showing that they are a legit band with legit artistic credentials, 'Chasing the Grail' is a great record that boasts some of the bands best material.

With twelve tracks, clocking in at just over an hour, 'Chasing the Grail' may seem a little long-winded at times, but is brimming with enough variety in styles to stop it from seeming repetitive. Full of guitarist Rich Ward's tastiest riffs and Frank Fontsere's most solid drumming, the band have really bonded and grown over the five years since their previous album, which included various festivals and tours. Chris Jericho's vocals (which sound similar to Ozzy Osbourne) are stronger than before, showing a man who is still willing to learn and develop, and with all the charisma and showmanship of a multi-time world champion wrestler, you know that this is a band who more than delivers when taking these songs to the stage.

Featuring some of Fozzy's strongest work, there's anthemic rockers such as 'Martyr No More', 'Let the Madness Begin', 'God Pounds His Nails' and 'Watch Me Shine', there's the softer, more heartfelt moments in songs like 'New Day's Dawn' and 'Broken Soul', and then there's the bands all-out foray into progressive territory with the 14-minute epic, 'Wormwood'. It's a diverse album which shows a band who are constantly evolving.

Overall, a fantastic and very underrated album, 'Chasing the Grail', as is always the case with this band, is often overlooked due to the group's name or the gimmick of being "Chris Jericho's band". But those willing to dig deeper and give them a chance will find that this is a solid rock record that can hold its own with heavyweights of the genre.

"Now let the madness begin!"