2005-12-28
Another one for my list of 2005 best albums.
Bloodsimple may be mostly known for their vocalist, Tim Williams of Vision Of Disorder fame, but if there's any justice in this otherwise Cruel World (pun intended), their debut will install their name as one of metal's best newcomers.
Their genre of expertise is a bit hard to categorize, they deal in metal with some core elements, some grungy moments as well, some Pantera riffs thrown in for good measure, this album has it all, but it still manages to sound coherent and well-put, mainly because of the talent involved.
First mention should go to Williams' vocals, sharp, hard-edged screams easily turn into a lower clean delivery, fine phrasing and a good rhythm, he fits in great with the music, which also fluctuates from the heavier moments in Straight Hate to the more acoustic The Leaving Song, his chorus in What If I Lost It is memorable enough to make the song stick in your mind.
Fine guitar work as well, some good metal riffs in such tracks as Path To Prevail and Blood In Blood Out, and some sold hard-core movements strewn in there as well.
Sound is also top notch, courtesy of veteran producer GGGarth, and mixer Mike Fraiser, the guitars stand firm in the center of the mix, with some smart production ideas here and there.
I was actually never too keen on Vision Of Disorder's music, as much as I respected them, but I find much more to bite on in Bloodsimple, it just feels more mature, more diverse, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Alon Miasnikov
