Bloodspot - By The Horns
The second album from this modernised German thrash outfit gives you a band whose take on thrash is very much from the US side of noise with a sprinkling of death metal dirtiness on the vocal delivery. There is a hefty macho component to the songs courtesy of the vocals barking mannerisms and deeper tones but the music is thrash predominantly with the occasional burst of deathliness when the double kick starts up giving hints of acts like Legion Of The Damned and Warbringer. Opening tune, 'And They Brought Gold' starts with a meaty riff and once underway you hear various newer US acts creeping into the mix such as Lamb Of God and Chimaira, which is no bad thing, given the stature of those bands on the worldwide scene. 'The Legend Of Butch Miller' is neck snappingly aggressive, with a deft catchiness saturated into the fabric of the song and in fact most of the album. It's definitely modern and whilst not quite in the realms of old style thrash the ghosts of acts like Testament and Slayer are obviously haunting the song writing, as the title track showcases those death metal traits I hinted at, with bulldozing groove and relentless snare pace, that isn't blasted but you'd have a hard time headbanging to it for a continuous period that's for sure. There's a cracking hook in 'Burst Black' with its a serene guitar melody initiating a foot tapping beat before the riff change harks of old Slayer and incorporating a half blast snare which works well and definitely fits with the likes of Warbringer and bands of that ilk.
As this album progresses you wonder if anything on this release actually sticks in your mind as something to recall and think yeah, damn fine song and for the most part you'd think probably not, but after repeated listens you start to realise that, this album does indeed have the capacity to retain in your memory if you persist with it. 'Enter The Gray' is much heavier and kindles thoughts of Skeletonwitch, Deathchain and maybe Warbeast as the riff is as violent as they come. Directing the songs into fuel charged beasts is not easy and still retain an air of cohesiveness but Bloodspot have a knack of letting rip but then rein it all in when necessary for maximum impact as on 'Death Illusion' with its groove incursion that will have your head nodding and you smirking in approval.
Albums that promise much often fail to deliver but Bloodspot tick all the boxes with no hesitation when it comes to vitriolic thrash metal that has a modernised stance but isn't diluted with any core tendencies, it's straight up heads down and beat the brains in mentalness.
As this album progresses you wonder if anything on this release actually sticks in your mind as something to recall and think yeah, damn fine song and for the most part you'd think probably not, but after repeated listens you start to realise that, this album does indeed have the capacity to retain in your memory if you persist with it. 'Enter The Gray' is much heavier and kindles thoughts of Skeletonwitch, Deathchain and maybe Warbeast as the riff is as violent as they come. Directing the songs into fuel charged beasts is not easy and still retain an air of cohesiveness but Bloodspot have a knack of letting rip but then rein it all in when necessary for maximum impact as on 'Death Illusion' with its groove incursion that will have your head nodding and you smirking in approval.
Albums that promise much often fail to deliver but Bloodspot tick all the boxes with no hesitation when it comes to vitriolic thrash metal that has a modernised stance but isn't diluted with any core tendencies, it's straight up heads down and beat the brains in mentalness.
- ...And They Brought Gold
- The Legend Of Butch Miller
- By The Horns
- Burst Black
- Death Down There Hold My Approach
- Volcanos
- Enter The Grey
- Death Illusion
- Far From Innocence '13
Label: http://www.brethard.de
Reviewer: twansibon
Dec 31, 2013
Dec 31, 2013
Next review:
Slave Zero – Disambiguated Visionary
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