Bleeding Through Album Review

Bleeding Through – Bleeding Through

Rise, 2010

7/10

You have to love a hardcore band that’s willing to incorporate keyboards into their sound. Bleeding Through have built up an loyal fan base with their unique and at times, unpredictable, take on the hardcore sound. On their new, self-titled album, the band continues to stretch their wings and expand their style. Bleeding Through sticks to the band’s roots in the sense that this album is brutally heavy and fast. The most interesting aspect of the record is the blurring of divisions between hardcore and black metal. Atmospheric keyboards accompanied by buzzsaw riffs and a rapid snare drum attack brings forth a black metal tone on many songs such as “This Time Nothing Is Sacred”, “Breathing In The Wrath”, and “Slow Your Roll”. Things also get interesting on “Drag Me To The Ocean”, with its heavy, sludge-style riff. High points are earned for the high level of innovation throughout the album, but twelve songs seems a bit much. This certainly isn’t easy listening, so prepare yourself for an intense listening session. A major downfall of Bleeding Through is its muffled, suffocating production, which contributes to the difficulty in making it through all twelve songs. The guitars sound like they were recorded in a meat locker and give the album a depressing tone. Despite these misgivings, Bleeding Through have delivered another quality album that their fans will hungrily embrace.

Bleeding Through will be appearing at Barfly in Minneapolis on Sunday, April 18. An army of support will come from Born Of Osiris, Sleeping Giant, Oceano, Legend, Of Salt And Swine, From Citizen To Soldier, My Dear Martyr, Last Line Of Defense, Filling The Final Grave, Parousia, Summon The Tempest, With Closed Eyes, In Hope Of Glory, and Stun The Brute.