Vena Sera Reviews

• This Type Of Thinking Could Do Chevelle In

  
  By A3KKM0T1KY42HA on 2007-04-05
  Chevelle's 2004 release, This Type Of Thinking Could Do Us In, was a big leap forward for the band. Just the first 6 songs on that disk made it well worth the purchase. The other tracks on that disk...well...it was hard to tell that the track had even changed from track 7 on.
  
  And much to my disappointment, Chevelle has continued the monochromatic sound that began with the 7th track of their 2004 release right through this year's Vena Sera.
  
  There are absolutely no surprises on Vena Sera. The CD sounds exactly how you'd imagine it to sound (if you're familiar with Chevelle). Their last CD had some nice surprises, like Breach Birth, Get Some, The Clincher, Still Running, Vitamin R and maybe even Panic Prone....Sure, those 6 tracks sounded like signature Chevelle, but they had a uniqueness...a special Chevelle pizzazz if you will. That pizzazz went out the window on the back half of their last CD, and there's no sight of it on Vena Sera.
  
  Vena Sera is typical bland Nu Metal. The Nu Metal law against guitar solos is in and catchy tunes like the first 6 on their last disk are out.
  
  A few industry web sights say that guitarist/singer Pete Loeffler is on record as saying that "Many of the tracks on Vena Sera were based off of material from unreleased songs the band had previously recorded." If that's true, what in the world were he and his bandmates Sam Loeffler (drums) and Dean Bernardini (bass--replaces Sam and Pete's brother Joe) thinking?
  
  In other words they might as well have said, "We made a new album based on songs that weren't good enough to put on a CD in the past." Now that type of thinking could really do them in...and might just have done them in.
  
  I'm sure that I'll get "NO" voted to death here, but believe me...I wanted to love this CD. I was looking forward to it. Couldn't wait. Disappointingly, however, I've ripped zero songs from Vena Sera to my media player. Bummer.
  
  
  

• The Best Hard Rock Available

  
  By A2NQDBJ7095P4G on 2007-04-25
  Wow, many of the reviews here have been harsh. Have you listened to the radio lately? There's a lot of crap out there and very few hard rock acts are breaking the top twenty in sales. So we should appreciate Chevelle for being an accessible yet hard-rocking, successful band.
  
  I love the last two albums (especially WWN) and Vena Sera compares favorably. First of all, even though there are some melodic songs here, this cd rocks HARD. Not a ballad to be found and plenty of the crunching riffs that we all love from Chevelle. Yet I don't believe it's just "more of the same." They might be baby steps but the band does branch out a bit without sacrificing its trademark sound. Let's face it, if they lost the chunky guitar, it wouldn't be the same and we wouldn't like the band. I think this album delivers the best of both worlds.
  
  If you like music that ROCKS and/or like Chevelle, this cd is a no-brainer. Get it now and get going. BTW, I just saw the band live for the first time last night and it was an incredible show. It's a lot of sound for three guys and they pull off every song. I also got to chat a bit with Sam (drummer) after the show and he is the nicest, most normal rock dude you've ever met. If you get a chance, don't miss the band in concert.
  
  Embrace the best in hard rock music. Appreciate and enjoy one of the few great rock bands - and rock albums - in these very lean times!
  
  

• "Let's Call It Change."

  
  By AZSN1TO0JI87B on 2007-04-06
  While Chevelle are a band whose ceiling is admittedly low when it comes to experimentation and progress, their fourth album, "Vena Sera" just might prove to be the album that takes them to the next level and show that they have what it takes to stand out from the crowd. Brothers Pete and Sam Loeffler are delivering their first album without their bassist/brother Joe and with newcomer/brother-in-law Dean Bernardini entered into the fold, and the changes can definitely be felt. "Vena Sera" isn't introducing a sound that will alienate fans of previous releases, but rather, sounds more confident, energetic and flat-out better.
  
  Opening with the addictive "Antisaint," which wears it's Tool influence proudly on it's sleeve, "Vena Sera" is, from start to finish, the heaviest and richest album Chevelle have come up with. Combining elements from all three previous albums, this is hands down, their best to date. The goal they set for themselves during the making of This Type Of Thinking Could Do Us In of creating songs that were faster and would sound better performed live has definitely paid-off here. There really aren't any mid-tempo hits to be found that resemble "The Red" or "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" and honestly, it's a breath of fresh air. Granted, the previous album was great in it's own right, but showed a band stuck in the mud, beginning to repeat a formula. On this album, however, they sound fresher than ever. Not only are the songs heavier and broader, but Pete has definitely fine-tuned his melodies to perfection. The layered "I Get It" is possibly the most radio-ready of the crowd, and makes good use of Pete's ever improving vocals. Another example would be the way he magnificently caps off the first single, "Well Enough Alone." Much of the lyrical content is obviously dealing with the exit of Joe, who was reportedly unhappy with the band's constant touring schedule, with prime examples being "Braniac" and "Humanoid." "Saturdays" breaks the tradition of closing an album out with a somber, acoustic number, but suits the album well. Chevelle obviously don't want to be pegged as a rock-radio band, writing ballads that are purposely made for the masses. That's not to say that some of these songs couldn't be hits, but you get the impression that the band is putting their best, most honest effort forward.
  
  The album's only true downfall is that the mid-section tends to sag a bit. But when it's sandwiched in between some of the band's best material to date -- "Antisaint," "I Get It," "Braniac" -- it's an easy fault to forgive. If you loved the Chevelle you got used to on the last few albums, you might find this album a bit hard to swallow. But honestly, if they had went and made something on the same level as Wonder What's Next I would personally be very disappointed in them. "Vena Sera" is hardly an instant hit, but it's easily the best thing they have done since Point #1 and it'll be interesting to see if they can pull off putting another foot forward on the next album.
  
  

• Decent - Some songs superior and strong, others forgettable

  
  By A1JKNVM6NAU13V on 2007-07-18
  I guess I'm not as enamored with the new release as others, in saying that I'm glad that so many fans have embraced the new album with such acceptance. When I first heard the final song "Saturdays" I was very impressed, I simply loved this song! The lyrics were especially meaningful to me, particularly the verse "Now we all belong...In the Saturdays of our youth" and that coupled with the sonic soundscape and simple yet prophetic songwriting made this a song I really, really enjoyed.
  
  Perhaps I'm being too critical, and that song to me is a 15 on a 10 scale and should not hold a bias for me when judging the rest of the songs on this album. The problem is that some of the songs don't have much of a connection with me, instrumentally or lyrically. At times I enjoy the edgy guitar riffs but for the most part I felt like a lot of these songs just float by instead of reaching out and grabbing me like "Saturdays" did. The song "Well enough Alone" is memorable as its razor sharp opening leads into some emotional singing, and again I am excited in hoping there are more on the album like it.
  
  Then I started giving it time to grow on me, and it did. The song "Humanoid" has some great changeups with regards to varying riffs and also a song that seemed to stick with me at its very first listen. The song "Paint the Seconds" is stoic at times and although the riffs on this particular song seem to be too familiar in connection with other songs on the album, the chorus has a great crescendo to it that makes it different enough to add to the overall driving power it has. The song "I get it" is also very likable and puts the songwriting and vocals a bit more in the forefront, including an infectious beat found throughout.
  
  Chevelle has managed to stay visible on the front lines of new rock bands that have emerged in this decade among the remnants of a "rock" industry that is always trying to find a new identity, but all too often having its poster child fall off a cliff as the assembly line pushes forward, not heeding that the bridge is out ahead. There is still enough talent within these guys to blaze new trails and I look forward to their next release, while continuing to enjoy albums in their past discography.
  
  
  

• Solid Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  
  By ADFR0SMWK9YX7 on 2007-04-03
  Chevelle rocks on the new one. Picked it up at a local record store and love it. Rocks a bit harder than the last one,This Type of Thing...
  The standouts:
  Antisaint,Saferwaters,Well Enough Alone,Staright Jacket Fashion,The Fad,Paint The Seconds,I Get It and Delivery.
  Vena Sera is highly recommended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  
• Vena Sera is Anything But a Disappointment
  By A2R7ISFA8HC5BD on 2007-04-26
  I disagree whole heartedly with the spotlight reviews. Chevelle has done something most bands do not...stuck with a sound that their fans recognize, love, and listen to Chevelle for. This album is what I deem fantastic and satisfying, and should be, by no means, looked over by anyone who is looking for terrific rock and roll. In fact, I would bet that whoever it was who wrote these 'spotlight' reviews chose little time to actually listen to the album.
  
  Let me give you the run down as to why this is an incredible rock album.
  
  1. The band has mastered the art of playing together. Each track is fast, tight, and smooth.
  
  2. You most likely listen to Chevelle for their sound. I do. Therefore, I would not want them to pull what bands like Pearl Jam did and become "progressive". All this has done is taken a fantastic rock band and turned them into something I don't particularly like to listen to.
  
  3. This album MUST be listened to more than twice. I agree that at first listen, the whole album sounds vaguely similar. Fine...you got me there. But have you actually LISTENED to the album. Listen to it one more time...but this time closely. The riffs, drums, vocals, and lyrics are amazing. Listen to 'Saturday' and tell me that this song doesnt get your adrenaline pumping. If it doesn't...then I recommend you start listening to another genre of music.
  
  4. 'Vena Sera' is a refreshing back track to the sound of hard rock worth listening to. Chevelle seems to want to keep the hope of good hard rock and roll alive with this album.
  
  5. Every song on this album can and should be listened to in full....aside from the last bonus track which sounds like it was written and produced as a PR tactic. I can't remember the last time I listened to an album in full. Can you?
  
  6. If you like Chevelle you will like this album. It is them in their ultimate form. Take it or leave it.
  
  Thus concludes my opinion of 'Vena Sera'. Go buy this album if you love listening to rock that makes you lift harder, run faster, and face life with no fear. Otherwise dont even bother listening to it.
  
  
  
• Chevelle never lets me down
  By A33ACRPVSES36G on 2007-04-30
  Chevelle has to be one of the most consistent rock bands. They're also one of the least appreciated.
  I hope this cd gets them the attention they deserve.
  One thing I love about Chevelle is how each cd gets a little better.
  Wonder What's Next was better than Point#1 and This Type of Thing Could Do Us In was better than Wonder What's Next.
  
  I'm not sure I'd call Vena Sera the best but it's definately as good as Wonder What's Next.
  Yeah so they haven't changed much. They're just perfecting what they do best. Kick you in the head rock with good melodies and great music.
  
  1. Antisaint - This song reminds me of Tool, but not enough to be a rip off. And what happened to Tool anyway? They suck now. I'm glad Chevelle is carying their torch. This song is a good opener. Great pounding rhythm. - 5/5
  2. Brainiac - The chorus is great. This song is a little short. Just when I was really getting into it, it's over. But a good song overall. - 4/5
  3. Saferwaters - This is one of my favorite songs on this cd. I like the buildup in this song. Beautiful melody in the verse and then a hard hitting chorus with awesome harmonies. This is what Chevelle does best. - 5/5
  4. Well Enough Alone - This one starts out a little slower paced even though the scream at the beginning makes that unexpected. Another good buildup song but I don't find it as catchy as The previous 3 songs. - 3.5/5
  5. Straight Jacket Fashion - I like the guitar in this song. In the verse the guitar is so rhythmic and then in the chorus it comes out of nowhere and sweeps down over the lyrics. The music really stands out in this song. Brilliant. - 5/5
  6. The Fad - This is another of my favorites on the cd. It's quite a bit different than the previous 5 songs and breaks up the album nicely. This is 1 of the angriest sounding songs they've ever done. This should be a single if it isn't already. - 5/5
  7. Humanoid - Again they're sounding a bit like Tool on this one. Again, that's not a bad thing since Tool no longer sounds like Tool. This song is really catchy. I could see this being a single too. I love this song. Classic Chevelle - 5/5
  8. Paint The Seconds - I think song placement on a cd is really important and they do a great job of putting the songs together so that the cd is cohesive without being monotonous. This song comes in with acoustic guitars and then right back to hard hitting rhythm guitar. Great song. - 4/5
  9. Midnight To Midnight - This song has awesome vocal effects in the verses. I know nothing about production but this song seems really well produced. It's probably my 3rd favorite on the cd. - 5/5
  10. I Get It - Starts out slower than most of the cd but I love the lyrics on this song. "You're right, I get it It all makes sense, you're the perfect person. So bright, so wrong
  Let's all live in your imaginary life." One of their best lyrically on the album. - 5/5
  11. Saturday - The closer to the cd pulls it all together. This is the perfect song to end the album on. Hard hitting and dark sounding. Not the best on the cd but a good ender. 4/5
  
  
• Vena Sera Soo Sick!
  By A2BKVBKWYM2EZF on 2007-04-03
  An amazing album, they kill it on this one. They say it was recorded at the Palms in Vegas, I guess the partying helped them out. By far the best 3 man band I can remember! "The Fad" rocks hard!
  
  
• They have done it again
  By A29PT5314JC0WI on 2007-04-05
  This album is great. I really enjoyed "This Type of Thinking..." as well as "Wonder what's Next".
  I am very pleased with what I am hearing now. Chevelle rocks hard with great vocals. They seem to have found that perfect edge of patterned riffs and emotional chords, slamming hard and balancing the tide without going to far into the grasp of extreme repitition of a groove. They ride that line so well, where some other band sometimes slides over that edge.
  Their songs all surround the listener with a feeling of urgency, seriousness and release. For some reason their songs bring back memories of my life before Chevelle even existed. Strange but good.
  Chevelle seems to have perfected their own world they have created.
  another reviewer said something to the effect of "if its not broken don't fix it." I agree.. And I would add that respect comes from sticking to your true musical talent and not swaying or changing because of some outside force, like a marketing agency or record company. Many modern bands fallen into that trap, and it loses true fans. Chevelle has stayed true to their sound.
  And yes, I also agree...can we get an acoustic closer next time?
  Great Album. The best I have heard yet in 2007.
  
  
• From a fan that's been there since the beginning...
  By A18BD98SU49UB7 on 2007-04-23
  Vena Sera (Latin: Vein Serum)
  
  Chevelle has progressively become a favorite of mine, and after the song "The Red" was released, I was hooked. It seems there's a dire need for Chevelle to attire Flackjackets thanks to some of you reviewers, but atleast there are some other reviewes that are... right. Climbing from atop soapbox, commencing the review.
  
  Vena Sera is not only Chevelle's best album (that is reaking with solidarity), it could quite easily be my favorite album of this year. Chevelle has always had a formula, even you vena-sera-haters can't deny it. The song kicks off at a decent pace, then explodes at the end. Vena Sera is devoid of this Formula. That is perhaps why so many of you were taken aback. I have lovingly made note of this formula to friends other fans of the band, and the reaction is usually... "Oh yeah, now I get it!" The tracks here start strong, and end strong. There is no room to take a breath, and there is no room for soft tunes. What you have here is a grindhouse eleven, that get better with each listen. The vocals are different, and some would say more Maynard than ever, but this never distracts. Pete Loeffler's vocals are cool in the way they confidently vear into the off-key-minor then straighten back up, all with nice effect.
  
  One thing no one is mentioning is the astounding sound mix that this cd presents. For you rockers that love to show off a good system, this will be the disk to turn to. The instruments melt together into a solid bass effect, and Pete's guitar never sounded better. Also, keep in mind that this is a three man band. It Started out with the three Loeffler brothers, but then after a double bass guitar change up, they have added, I think, an even better sound.
  
  Chevelle's Vena Sera is a great album, possibly their best, and for those of you only reading the last line of this review to decide whether or not to bash me in my positiveness, go ahead, but I hope your mouse clicker sticks. ~saos~
  
  
  
• These brainiacs need to be silenced.
  By A3B9RGZ9U41Y9R on 2007-04-29
  People need to stop trying to show off their musical smarts by claiming chevelle isn't doing anything new. So what if chevelle has already done a song in a-flat minor, and who cares if this song isn't their first in 6/8 time, all i know is that this album rocks.
  Vena Sera is Chevelle's deepest album to date. Unlike previous albums that have 6 great rockers and slowly die to the end, this one is solid from 1 through 11. Need proof? Look at previous reviews, try to find one song that isn't mentioned as someone's favorite.
  It's also an album that grows on you. Had I rated it after a few listens, I would have given it a 3, maybe 4. Now that I've listened to it at least 30 times over the past 3 weeks, it's a solid five, no doubt. The songs I instantly liked were antisaint, saferwaters, and paint the seconds. But over time almost every song has been my favorite at one point. Right now i can't stop listening to brainiac, straight jacket fashion, minutes to midnight, and saturdays.
  My one disappointment is that this albums missing that 'grunge' guitar that i love in songs like "the clincher." Other than that no complaints.
  I recommend getting this album if you are any way a chevelle fan...and give it time. You won't be let down.
  
  
• A$$ Kicking Riffs
  By A15P9M3PISFB5A on 2007-04-03
  While some critics are destroying this album, I on the other hand love the solid guitar riffs and the intense drums. Definitely heavier than the last record. To me Vena is a combo of Tool sounding vocals, and Helmet crunchy guitar riffs. It is a known fact that Chevelle are huge fans of Helmet, and it definitely shows on this album. That my friend, is a good thing.
  
  
• great album from a great band
  By on 2007-04-03
  The title say it all folks. I've been waiting awhile for a new Chevelle album since I picked up This Type of Thinking.The album is like all of Chevelle's other albums that is great pounding riffs,great songwriting,and of course Petes voice.I myself wonder why these guys are not getting the credit they deserve cause in my mind they are ten times better then 30 Seconds to Mars,Breaking Benjamin,Staind,etc.Alright the only reason I didn't give them a 5 but a 4.5 was because This Type of Thinking is my favorite album I've ever bought in my mind.So thats my review hope you agree with me >_<
  
  
• It what you're doing works, why change?
  By A35TSR69KXJS5 on 2007-04-04
  It's heavy. It's angry. It's melodic. It's powerful. It's typical Chevelle music. Evolution isn't always progress, and Chevelle understand that. I don't care what people say, not all bands who make an effort to evolve deserve to get credit for it. Sometimes bands try too hard, and then they wind up like Finger Eleven (not that Them Vs. You Vs. Me is a "bad" album, but it's a below par effort, far from what this band's true potential, which they clearly succeeded in exploiting in Tip and TGOBS) or worse, KoRn (I won't even venture an opinion on SYOTOS). And what was the problem with those two afore-mentioned bands? Precisely the fact that they tried so hard to evolve, to try different things, in F11's case to become more radio-friendly I imagine, that they lost sight of what should be their ultimate goal: making music that they love playing and to which the fans love listening. Now, "To Return" to Chevelle, the Loeffler brothers, minus one, plus a brother-in-law, are back full force with Vena Sera... serum for your veins, and I guarantee it's gonna make your heart ... no, your whole body pump within minutes into this record. As amazing as ever, Chevelle remain true to themselves, all the while sticking to their characteristically staccato-style guitars. The unique Pete vocals are as ... well, as Pete as always... from his half-screamingly half-melodically singing in The Fad to his soft ballad-esque voice in Saferwaters, he still does the whole spectrum in a very skilful manner. Sam's drumming is, as always, well adapted to the spasmodic guitars, and particularly amazing, in my humble opinion, in Humanoid. The only downside to this album: no acoustic softie to close the cd like One Lonely Visitor and Bend the Bracket had done so well on Wonder What's Next and This Type Of Thinking, respectively. Instead we get Saturdays, which is, for me, the weakest song of the cd... which, if you know Chevelle the least, you already know isn't very weak. Definitely worth buying... already a candidate of mine for cd of the year.
  
  
• Chevelle Still Rocks
  By A10N3LPRSB8VYS on 2007-04-04
  I have to say that my favorite Chevelle CD is 'Wonder What's Next'. Especially the 'Evening with El Diablo' song, I LOVE that song. I agree with the others about the slower, acoustic type song missing at the end of Vena Sera. But I do like the songs 'Well Enough Alone', 'The Fad', the song before 'The Fad', can't remember the name. I was a little worried before buying this CD that I wasn't going to like it, but I listened to it 2 times and I'm really starting to love this CD. Sometimes with the CD's I love the most, it takes a few listens. I definitely recommend this!
  
  
• Powerful Album
  By A2LSPRVEWRSUL9 on 2007-04-04
  I've never been a big Chevelle fan, but this album might change all that! Vena Sera is a brutal and visceral masterpiece. There is no flash or grandiose musical posturing. The music just is, and kicks you right in the face.(In that respect, it reminds me of Skillet's album "Collide")
  
  The vocals blend perfectly with the music. There is a lot of emotion behind the screams and the music makes you feel what the singer is singing about.
  
  I'm going to have to check out Chevelle's back catalog to see if their past efforts can match this new disc.
  
  
• Album Rocks!
  By A21X0LR1MGXY4Y on 2007-04-04
  Vena Sera is the best Chevelle album! I really like this album! Exellent riffs, and Pete is still the best singer! Chevelle just plain rocks!
  
  
• Liquid Metal?
  By A3OMPSEVL59ZDK on 2007-04-12
  Chevelle is a band that not only refuses to change their sound they are basically making it their mission in life to never change it or at least thats the impression I'm getting as I continue to follow this band from their first album all the way up to this their 4th studio album. By now its safe to say that Chevelle is not interested in concepts, progressive rock, or anything thats not Drop D barre chords set to Petes infectious melodic vocals.
  
  I remember listening to "Wonder Whats Next" and thinking that the band had finally formed a sound that really worked. Point # 1 is a good debut but "Wonder" realy upped the ante both lyrically andmusically. I felt that they finally discovered that every song can sound different from one another. Songs can have bold and understandable lyrics. "This type of thinking could do us in" was a real let down because the band just felt like it was on auto pilot. Sure their are some key tracks on that record but over all its nothing ground breaking or new. The sound went back to being repetitive and inevitably dull and the lyrics were all over the place never really delivering solid stories or philosophies.
  
  Vena Sera takes a little bit from the last two and proves to be much more satisfying than their last effort but still does not bring anything fresh to the table. The lyrics are the biggest improvement they now communicate clear concepts once more. Petes singing is at the forefront and provides most of the songs with their infectious hooks. The first half of the CD has some of Chevell's best riffs since their sophomore record. The second half is when things start to feel drab and you start to tune out because it all sounds the same. I'm still a fan and Chevelle is great whenever you just want to rock out, play video games, or excercise. Its a solid record as long as you don't expect anything new.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Its good
  By AD0PW1HK9C8BL on 2007-04-05
  Couple of things.
  
  - I'm glad there's NO acoustic song. I felt that was a total change of pace on the last two albums, especially when they sounded very similar to each other.
  - Well Enough Alone was a terrible pick for the first single. When I first heard the song I was certain that I wouldn't buy the album b/c that song didn't impress me much. Its not a bad song, but the wrong one for the first single imo.
  - Pete's song writing has improved. Of course, with Point #1 he was really good, Wonder What's Next had pretty basic lyrics, and This Type of Thinking should a rebound in his lyrical writing. This one continues on, but its not too much of an improvement. Still good.
  - There are a couple of worthless tracks. The last few in particular, I think Saturdays is one of the worst songs I've heard by the band. It doesn't fit. But here's a quick breakdown from me, as to what the best songs are on a scale of 1-10. (ten being the highest)
  
  1. Antisaint: 9/10 - One of their better songs, and an interesting opener. I don't know if it quite fits as an album opener but its a great song. Little bit more dynamic than what they were doing three years ago.
  2. Braniac 7/10 - If not for the melodic spots, this song would be nothing. Sometimes Chevelle have a way of placing just boring songs in between good ones, like "Forfeit" and "Grab Thy Hand" between "Don't Fake This" and "An Evening With El Diablo." Or even on This Type of Thinking, the song "Another No It All" is a snore.
  3. Saferwaters: 10/10 - In my opinion this is one of the best songs Chevelle have ever written. It doesn't follow a conventional path like most do, but at the same time it does. It's one of their better songs on this album, and if I were to make a top 10 songs CD of Chevelle, this would be on there.
  4. Well Enough Alone: 7/10 - I didn't like it as a single, but as a song its not too bad. I can stomach it, but the breathing at the beginning is dumb. I know they idolize Tool, but it sounds just like Aenema, which is dumb. They should try to move away from the Tool comparisons.
  5. Straight Jacket Fashion: 6/10 - Nothing spectacular here, save for the nice title of the song. With a title like that I'd expect something amazing, but its a let down.
  6. The Fad 7/10 - Apparently the next single off the album, and a decent one, but I don't know if it has the staying power of some of the other songs. It's a simple hit, it starts out really good, I like the beginning. But I don't like the chorus. I think the title and even subject matter are kind of stupid. But there is something pleasing when he yells "Once the Fad." It will probably grow on me.
  7. Humanoid 9/10 - Second best song on the CD. It's got a lot more edge than the other songs, and it even has a dash of personality added to it. It also has one of the better choruses on the CD. A very good song.
  8. Paint the Seconds 9/10 - Another excellent track, and thats a rarity. I don't find too many songs on Chevelle CDs to be put together and be excellent. Usually the first half of the CD is great, and the second half blows. But two songs in a row that rule, Awesome. Possibly a future single if they don't choose The Fad (even though they will)
  9. Midnight to Midnight: 5/10 - Spiral down, start the boring part of the CD, but thankfully its the end too. Nothing even remotely memorable about the song. Its just empty noise.
  10. I Get It: 6/10 - A step up, but nothing much here. It starts out uniquely but then a stupid chorus (similar to The Fad) and it shows that they really just threw it together. Empty songs.
  11. Saturdays: 4/10 - Garbage. Worst closer ever, but thankfully its not an acoustic track.
  
  Bottom line is, Chevelle are good when they stop thinking of the people they are trying to impress and just let it flow. There are some drastic differences in the songs on here, you can tell they wrote some of them specifically to be crowd pleasers. I don't really have a favorite chevelle record, but if I did, it wouldn't be this one.
  
  
• Some of these reviewers must be confused
  By ATG36CW0QXDYP on 2007-04-08
  I usually don't comment on this site, but the mixed reviews on this CD pushed me to do so.
  
  I bought Vena Sera Thursday when it was released at Best Buy, so I also have the bonus tracks, which are pleasing. I have had many friends hear it and no one, no one has been disappointed. It has the sick riffs, pounding beats and powerful vocals I expected ,craved and hoped the CD would have. Some of the reviews here are by people that maybe haven't listened to it enough or just were never a true fan to begin with. My favorites are probably The Fad, Brainiac, I Get It & Straight Jacket Fashion. I enjoy all of them and enjoy the fact that it is another CD that when I listen to it I never skip a track, and enjoy every note.
  
  Soon I will see them live for the 4th time, and I expect it to be like the 3 times before it, f**king amazing. If you have not seen this band perform live, I suggest you indulge yourself.
  
  If you are a fan of chevelle don't let the negative reviews shape your opinion, listen to this CD loudly and decide for yourself.
  
  
• is this what we call music today???
  By A17BHL9BOZ8AH8 on 2007-04-11
  are you people serious??? this cd blows monkey balls...i love chevelle and love their previous two albums...but what happened to chevelle? this certainly isnt the same chevelle ive come to love over the past few years....typical nu metal--ughhh!!!! come on, can we get some good rock in this decade of lame music? what happened to music? i turn on the radio and im forced to listen to fall out boy, all american rejects (perfectly suited name for such a horrible band), etc....i hate the radio...so i purchased xm radio--same thing--punk music--its horrible!!!!!.....now i just listen to 90s rock stations or classic rock radio stations....something has to be done b/c music as i KNEW it has died and im afraid it will never return...
  but seriously...dont buy this album....its a waste of precious money and precious time....and all you losers out there who will certainly dispute my rant on the new chevelle cd, you seriously need to check your underwear to ensure you are still a MAN....come on...this is dreadful!
  
  
• wonder whats next? a new label!
  By A29TSMXCVDBA87 on 2007-04-21
  chevelles first two albums, point #1 and wonder whats next is alot like taproots first two albums gift and welcome, the band starts off good then decides they need a little extra money in their pockets, so they change to make money, not keep the fans listening. and i'm a listening and i'm dissapointed. point#1 is a great albumn, wonder whats next a step up, but they just squezzed all the juice dry on their last two albums. they have nothing left, or maybe their wondering whats really next for this trio.
  
  
• Nice revisitation of Chevelle's stronger works
  By A1435P5AMCPB3X on 2007-04-03
  This album was a plesent surprise to hear when I first put it on. There are points that are reminiscent of the Point#1 release, and Wonder What's Next. It has enough to of the down tuned crunching guitars that you would expect from chevelle along with more straight rock, and at times a slight industrial sound. From the opening track of Antisaint, an excellent opener, this album has got enough variations to reflect the changes occuring in the brothers. My favorite tracks include Staight Jacket Fashion, similar to Mia from Point #1, and Huminoid, a nice song that would work up a pit at a concert in a frenzy, a circling guitar a bit like "Perry Mason" from Ozzy. Then tracks like safewater beg for an acoustic touch. Overall, nice mix of songs and melodies. Go get this album as your first, or an addition to you collection of chevelle.
  
  As a bonus, some chains are offering bonus tracks, including the song Sleepwalk Eliet, a track that could should have been included regularly on the album, stronger than some, and A cover tune Delivery-written by Compulsion, a different popier/punk/moby track that is good to hear from the group. Check this album out
  
  
• AWESOME!
  By AKQQIFVJJ9FZS on 2007-04-04
  Chevelle gets better and better with each new cd they release. Vena Sera in my opinion is Chevelles best album to date with catchy hooks and heart pounding energy from start to finish.
  
  
• Another Solid Release from Chevelle
  By A24X38FSQZJYE7 on 2007-04-05
  They definitely stepped away from earlier releases such as Wonder Whats Next and This Type of Thinking *Could Do Us In). They definitely lost the acoustic tracks that were on the earlier releases, but they come back with amazing rock ballads in Saferwaters and Well Enough Alone. The final three tracks (Midnight to Midnight, I get It, and Staurdays) all flow really well together.
  
  The reason this CD only got four stars is because the middle of the album just lulls a bit. (The Fad, Humanoid) There two good songs but they are far from extroardinary like the rest of the album. It almost a little letdown.
  
  In the end, it is still quite a solid release from the Chicago based band. Even with a new bassist, this band still did not miss a beat.
  
  
• Great stuff
  By A2BSE672FF74FO on 2007-04-06
  Great album. "Brainiac" and "Saferwaters" are my favorite songs. It seems they tuned back up from A (or B... one of those) to D-tuning, so thats why it isn't so... "hard". I think it sounds fine, they sound great like they always do. "Point #1" was in d-tuning, and I like that album more than these last 3. By the way... They DO have 4 albums, NOT just three, for all those who are calling this their 3rd album.
  
  This is great album. And just because some of these songs were based on Unreleased songs, doesn't mean the "Unreleased songs" were the last album rejects. They were most likely not done or up to what Pete was looking for at the time. He probably finished them the way he wanted to (if they were finished before they probably would've replaced some of the past songs on the past albums).
  
  Songs like "Brainiac", "Saferwaters", and "The Fad" are the highlights of this album, IMO.
  
  4 Stars for this one! =)
  
  
• well, well... well!
  By A3PVBNNMZYSSGK on 2007-04-07
  First of I have to say I am a Chevelle fan, know them since their "Wonder what's next".
  
  What I want to know is, where are the songs that surprise me? "Wonder what's next" and "this type of thinking..." even "Point #1" had those songs, that didn't really grab me with the first listening but slowly grew on me and finally made me addicted.
  All I can say is, Vena Sera didn't leave as much of an impression on me as their two previous albums did.
  
  my favourites are:
  -the fad
  -Saturdays
  
  Edit:
  I can't change the number of stars I gave this Album.
  What I want to say though is, the same thing that happened before, happened again. This Album needed lots of time to grab me.
  Right now I would give this Album 5 stars because it absolutely rocks!!
  I hear it over and over again. Very nice!
  
  
  
  
• Another winner from Chevelle
  By A15Y3JAJJ78L4N on 2007-04-10
  I've been listening to Chevelle since their first album Point #1 and I've been a major Chevelle fan ever since. Their lyrics are so deep and dark and they make you think. I'm not going to say that Vena Sera is what they should've been doing all along, but it is very refreshing to see them getting back to their hardcore roots and coming out with a much more aggressive album than their last (This Type Of...). If you're looking for the sound they had on This Type of Thinking, you might be disappointed, because this album shows Chevelle going in a new direction. This album is nothing but raw energy and thought-provoking lyrics.
  
  1) Antisaint - a great opener. I especially love the first line "visit again white elephant"
  
  2) Braniac - the intro is pretty sick. I think this song is about someone who's prideful? "How about I teach him to crawl, lift up your head so proud" the scream in the end is priceless
  
  3) Safewaters - so far my favorite song on the album. If you are skeptical about this album, start here. The lyrics for this are so well written "They'd say that I came from a fish, you mock the place where I exist"
  
  4) Well Enough Alone - I think their "breath" intro is almost like their signature intro as they also used it for "Send the Pain Below". This single has been playing on their site for awhile and it's a new song that I think everyone can appreciate
  
  5) Straight Jacket Fashion - an interesting song, but great none the least. The continuous banging of the drums in the chorus just makes me want to run a marathon. great energy in this song. Pete really stretches those screaming vocals well in this song.
  
  6) The Fad - Pete's voice makes this song sound perfect in everyway. The aggressiveness in this song makes me happy that Chevelle has not gone soft.
  
  7) Humanoid - another favorite on this song. you will find yourself playing this song over and over. It's just really well written and produced and his screaming "REALITY!!" is awesome
  
  8) Paint the Seconds - this song sounds a lot like a single. definately check out this song
  
  9) Midnight to Midnight - a very hard song and that's why I love it. Another song that makes me want to run around and destroy things. I love the line "we toss our failures at the earth"
  
  10) I Get It - The intro to this is really cool, I love this song so much just because of that. I think this song is unlike all the others they've ever done just because of the instrumentals. at one point, the electric almost sounds like a video game.
  
  11) Saturdays - I think this is a great closing song, makes me want to start the whole album over again.
  
  Not too specific of a review but you really have to listen to it to understand. the album may come off as different at first, but listen it a few more times and I guarantee you'll come to love it.
  
  
• Chevelle being Chevelle
  By A3SEGVACTNS7U7 on 2007-04-13
  This album is what Chevelle is all about. Sure, it doesn't have the classic Breach Birth or The Clincher or radio overplays like The Red or Vitamin R, but Pete has hit a new level of vocals even if the album doesn't. It is a bit tough to one-up previous multi-platinum albums, and Chevelle still puts together an excellent album here, full of heavy guitar and bass, loud Pete-style screaming, and solid drumming. An excellent addition to my collection. And as far as people complaining about a lack of "new stuff", I didn't realize that bands were required to change what they are good at. If I hear one of you whining "fans" complain about monotony I am going to turn up Brainiac and drown out your annoying voice.
  
  Thanks for a solid album Chevelle.
  
  
• how can anyone give this less that 5 stars
  By A3CN3QUMI31DVJ on 2007-04-15
  whats with the top 2 reviews being so poor?...this cd F#$ING rocks hard man!....ive only listened to a few songs so far....particularly their new single and also "the fad" which is prolly their next single...these 2 songs alone are worth 10 bucks ..get it
  
  

• Wonder What's Next
• This Type Of Thinking Could Do Us In
• Minutes to Midnight
• Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces
• Them VS. You VS. Me