The Pitch: Disappointed in the latest Arch Enemy album? Check out Spain's extreme metallers Bloodhunter via Xtreem Music. Featuring elements of melodic death metal, thrash, groove metal, and blackened death metal; The End of Faith is an album you don't want to miss. FFO: Arch Enemy, The Haunted, Nightrage
What I Like: Eat your heart out Angela Gossow, and move over Alissa White-Gluz; there's a new dominating frontwoman entering the ranks, and her name is Diva Satanica. I'd be lying to say that I ignored her similar sex appeal (yeah, yeah...patriarchy...all that crap), but what's infinitely more important is that her performance on this album rivals the heavyweights in every possible way. Effortlessly, she commands the deep growls, the raspy snarls, and the blackened shrieks as if she was born into it. Seriously, if Alissa ever steps down, meet the new queen of the metal stage.
But all credit can't go to Satanica. Bloodhunter was initially formed by lead guitarist, Fenris; and he is the other guiding force behind the band's strength. His riffs and solos are both impressive and infectiously catchy. Again, I have to draw some parallels to Arch Enemy in their fusion of melodeath, thrash, and groove along with a touch of heavy metal. It's no surprise that Fenris was invited to participate in the 100 Guitars From Hell event alongside Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom) and many others after listening to the instrumental banger "Death & Rebirth." Add some crunchy bass breaks and very energetic session drumming from Marcelo Aires (Colosso, The Ominous Circle, etc.) and The End of Faith becomes a very impressive outing indeed.
Critiques: Honestly, my main beef is with this album art, which all due respect to the artist detracts from an otherwise stellar package if you ask me. That aside, the band could always work on becoming a more distinct entity in their genre.
The Verdict: With a name like Bloodhunter and an album cover that didn't necessarily command my initial respect, The End Of Faith shattered all of my expectations. This is one of the best albums I have heard to come out of Spain, and also one of the better albums of this style in recent memory. Better even than the latest The Haunted album. It's out now, so show your support by picking it up.
Flight's Fav's: The End of Faith, Still Standing Up, Let the Storm Come
-Review by FlightOfIcarus
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