2005 was truly a simpler time for many of us. When MySpace was still rampant in the realm of social media and I was but a mere teenager in junior high school, this era marked the peak of pioneering deathcore performance for countless bands. Through the Eyes of the Dead was established as a landmark core act in the mid-2000s that's gone on to release quite a few records and accomplish several great things for their public persona. And all this began with the unveiling of a certain album...one that would go on to be praised and lauded for years to come. The only question is: was it worthy of the hype? Let's take a look.
Released via Prosthetic Records in October of 2005, Bloodlust remains as a noteworthy addition and debut full length of the deathcore world. The album has since been made available on CD & vinyl formats. Bloodlust is an album that features eleven tracks spanning nearly 38 minutes of deathcore content with some progressive as well as technical and melodic elements throughout. Oddly enough, two of the original founding members would go on to leave the band following this album's release.
Bloodlust is a fairly technical instrumental-wise as well as innovative album for the time being, especially by the standards of this specific subgenre. The band stood out due to its meddling of different sounds and structures implemented through their debut; as well as the tight execution and solid production quality that goes along with everything. This album is best listened to from start to finish, with its thematic graces being told through a story of death, violence and destruction. Bloodlust also features the use of dual guitars (rhythm and lead) in addition to some pretty stellar Gothenburg style riffing.
The flow of such tracks as 'Two Inches from a Main Artery' and 'Force Fed Trauma' is enough to keep any sort of metalhead on the edge of their seat. In addition, the breakdowns in 'Truest Shade of Crimson' are arguably some of the best on this album (and perhaps in the genre), and best when paired with the harsh vocals and blast beats. The slow down towards the song's end really makes it a solid effort overall. Bloodlust both starts out and ends with an instrumental build-up track, with the instrumental near the album's crescendo being a rather delirious, yet somber mixture of chugging riffs, blast beat drumming and background atmospheric effects.
In all, this album is nearly flawless, with the minimal exception of some of the drumming production (namely the snare samples) in addition to the prospect of the notion that there could've been more guitar solo action throughout. Other than these couple of critiques, I view Bloodlust as an instant hit.
Through the Eyes of the Dead's debut full length Bloodlust is definitely a deathcore classic that's worth your time if you're into the more creative and nostalgic aspects of the genre. It's an album chock full of sweet and tasty riffs, heavy breakdown sections, harsh vocal variety, and many other positive qualities that comprise its domain. Give it a go if you haven't already.
Fave Tracks: 'Two Inches from a Main Artery', 'Truest Shade of Crimson'
For Fans Of: Conducting From The Grave, Glass Casket, The Red Shore
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-Review by: Dave Raffy
Musician, reviewer, fan & promoter
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