Review: Blood Sun- Self Titled EP
Now enter a band that shows huge potential and has a very unique sound. I won't lie, even though I enjoyed many of the acts I've reviewed on this blog the past several months, it's refreshing to hear a band who is closer to having the elements that are far more endearing to me that your average band.
South Carolina's Blood Sun is one such band, and they are releasing their debut self-titled EP on April 20th 2018.
The first thing I need to mention, in part being a guitarist myself, were the killer riffs. Twisting, huge, interweaving riffs, that definitely sound like they're being done by an army of guitarists rather than one. This band has that essential ingredient that bands who have killer riffs have, it isn't exactly prog metal, but thinking about how cool even 90's Mercyful Fate, classic Annihilator and yes, even classic Megadeth's riffs were, you could be reminded from time to time with Blood Sun. I'm also reminded of the underrated 80's German band Vendetta, in just the way the time changes (and even occasional odd timings) and catchy melodic parts encapsulate the listener with their twists and turns.
The first song, Mindsweeper starts out
with a doomy and heavy riff and then goes to an almost more melodic seemingly melodeath influenced section.
The second song, Coven, starts with a moody bass and cymbal
exclusive line and then a lone minimal guitar then accentuates some
odd timed riffs with some dark melodic linesand subsequent harmonies with a cool
bass driven figure in general.
The song seems to be about witches or vampires, but the band states the whole EP follows a loose lyrical theme which I still have to analyze and put together (but seems interesting).
Some wicked evil riffs follow, and is enough for any headbanger worth their
salt
The song seems to end abruptly though.
Late is a more modern sounding song,
almost with refrains that could be on modern rock radio, but meets
Megadeth but also is superior to most stuff you hear on the radio (Especially the leads).
Downfall has the most comfortable
sounding vocals of all the songs. Probably the best vocal melodies of
the release as well. It is a thrashy speed metal song which gets more
mid-paced for the parts that the vocals come in on.
Revelations rounds out this set of
songs, with some more quirky time changes and a vocal line that
reminds me of Black Album Hetfield barking out apocalyptic visions
though I must admit this song may be my least favorite.
I must say that after reviewing many
bands the past few months, this is definitely one of the ones with
the most potential.
Fresh riffs, catchy refrains and melodies and those awesome crushing riffs.
The main complaints I have are a few of
the songs, even though full of great ideas, seem to resolve
themselves and end abruptly.
If I also wanted to nitpick more, the drums are
a bit clicky, though overall the instruments are very well balanced
and could just be my old man metal ears who's always skeptical of
modern drum productions.
The solos shred gallantly and it's
refreshing to hear a band able to make a new twist on older sounds
but to balance them with a modern context.
My main criticism would be the vocals:
Not the timbre, range, or even melodies. Rather the way they sound
produced. I'd say they are too dry in the mix and could be improved
as far as being more well put together. It should be said that I enjoy the vocal style very
much, The vocals on some of the songs in the latter half sound improved from the first half, though the aforementioned last song suffers from this issue as well.
Overall, this is a promising start to an excellent new band. To hear a band mix classic sounds, some modern sounds, but with a twist of technical hell spawned riffage is something to pay attention to in the future.
You can find out about Blood Sun by checking out the following links:
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