12/23/2025
Review of our song "How to Drain Your Dragon"😁
Overall Impression
Houston-based alt metal band CHAW serve up hard-hitting grooves and brutal riffs, on their release of "How to Drain Your Dragon". Guttural, snarling vocals deliver outrageously sardonic lyrics set to powerful blast beats and distorted down-tuned guitars in a dynamic arrangement, resulting in a powerful and intimidating sound that audiences are sure to love. CHAW's over-the-top songwriting and intense sonic onslaught make "How to Drain Your Dragon" an easy recommendation for any alt metal enthusiasts.
Strongest Point(s)
Outstanding production, solid mix. Nice use of stereo width, good clarity and tonal balance. Killer riff that hits right off the bat. Wonderful sludge-y guitar sound. Bass guitar does a wonderful job of laying down the fundamental rhythm, great tone. Creative beat design, drums sound fantastic and cut through the mix nicely. Love the instrumental section that begin around 1:25 and 2:38, great use of silence and space. Vocal production and performance sound terrific, great death growl deliveries and harsh singing. Great job of arranging and mixing the backing vocal shouts as well. Excellent lyrical content; great title pun to start with, followed by a series of brutally honest insights and truths that should resonate with most alternative rock fans. All in all, this is a tremendous track that blends elements of nu metal with thrash and death metal, resulting in a sound that should have broad appeal across the metal community. Stellar work, all around!
Target Audience Appeal
Fans of Pop/Rock, Metal, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Metal
Artist target suggestions
Slipknot, Pantera, Slayer, Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar, Coal Chamber, Chimaira, Sepultura, Lamb of God, Machine Head, Gojira, Gwar
About The Reviewer
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent within the next generation of musical explorers.
Vocals: Strength
Lyrics: Strength
Instrumental Performance/Execution: Strength
Melody/Rhythm: Strength
Arrangement/Flow: Strength
Recording Quality/Overall Mix: Strength
