God Forbid - Earthsblood
Earthsblood is the fifth studio offering from American heavy metallers God Forbid, released on February 16 in Europe and February 24 in North America. The album is co-produced by ex-Fear Factory bassist / guitarist Christian Olde Wolbers. Brace yourself - it’s rather heavy.
Background
This summer is going to be a one for God Forbid. This month they are on playing across the US and Canada on the No Fear Energy Music Tour with the likes of Lamb of God and Children of Bodom. In July they are playing at the Rockstar Mayhem Festival with Slayer, Trivium, Bullet For My Valentine, Marylin Manson (looks like a cracking lineup). Unfortunately last month Dallas Coyle announced that he would not be on the US tour, leading to rumors of his departure from the band. Later confirmed by his brother and bandmate Doc Coyle, we now know this to be true. His replacement on the tour will be former Darkest Hour guitarist Kris Norris.
What’s It Like
"Earthsblood" opens with a symphonic track "The Discovery" that slowly raises the intensity to prepare you for the rest of the album. "The Rain", "Empire of the Gun" and "War of Attrition" are a mix of heavy half time riffs combined with rapid thrash outbursts. The vocals are brutal, and the doubled parts just add to this effect. "The New Clear" gives you a welcome break from what is a fairly average album so far. A more dynamic track that changes between clean and agressive vocals over some progressive sounding guitar parts. The track still dives back into the monolithic death metal sludge, but this gives a much better contrast to the track. One of the best on the album.
"Shallow" picks the pace up again, and features some great guitar including a nice closing solo. "Walk Alone" is another blend of heavy growls combined with some great guitar work and clean vocals for the chorus. A couple of nice solos. "Bat the Angels" is a pretty good track - doubled up vocal parts, melodic guitar parts and even a refrain in the middle of the song that I’m sure is part of "In the Halls of the Mountain King"
The album closes with 2 more tracks in a similar vein to "Bat the Angels". I think the tracks should have been re-ordered in reverse!
Track Listing
- “The Discovery” - 1:43
- “The Rain” - 5:21
- “Empire of the Gun” - 4:43
- “War of Attrition” - 4:27
- “The New Clear” - 6:36
- “Shallow” - 3:31
- “Walk Alone” - 6:14
- “Bat the Angels” - 6:06
- “Earthsblood” - 9:03
- “Gaia (The Vultures)” - 7:17
Overall
A pretty average album towards the start, but becoming more progressive and intricate towards the end. The sound isn’t anything new or inspiring, but there are a few hidden gems in amongst the more monotonous metalcore parts. Fans of God Forbid will enjoy this, the rest of you will just have to make up your own minds
Buy this now from: amazon.co.uk
Written by Alex on Wednesday 25th March 2009 at 8:16pm and posted in Music Reviews
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