The Pitch: New metalcore release from UK's The Five Hundred via Long Branch Records. FFO: It Dies Today, Textures, Killswitch Engage.
What I Like: When this band gets it right, they really nail it. Songs like "Smoke & Mirrors" are incredibly catchy, with infectious riffs and well-crafted, sing along choruses on par with Killswitch and It Dies Today. In general, the guitars are the strongest element of the album, but each member of the band brings a solid contribution. The production is strong, albeit a little flat; but it manages to bring out the best elements. In its top moments, I was having a good time listening to this album.
Critiques: While the highs are high, the lows are low. There were a number of songs on this album that suffer from a serious case of blandness. I didn't hate them, I just kind of "nothinged" them. These moments suffered from both meandering, uninteresting songwriting as well as some questionable vocal melodies. And can we talk about the album title? Is there an alternative I'm not aware of?
The Verdict: While certainly inconsistent, Bleed Red has plenty to show in terms of the talent behind The Five Hundred. When in top form, they are clearly capable of crafting enjoyable tunes that I could see catching on with a larger fanbase. With a little more guidance and focus, I see this band going places in the future.
Flight's Fav's: Smoke & Mirrors, Bleed Red, Seduced By Shadows
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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