Bloodhunter: The End of Faith

I have mixed feelings about cover songs. Some are good; others are unnecessary; and the rest are simply terrible. Covering anything by Death is especially risky. Bands understandably want to pay tribute to Chuck Schuldiner and company but they also don't want to get it all wrong. Nobody wants to hear someone massacre "Crystal Mountain" which is why I approached Bloohunter's cover with reluctance. I also listened to it first, even though it's the closer on this album. I just needed to know if it was any good and what it told me about Bloodhunter, a band I haven't heard before. Fortunately, it was pretty solid even I think it lays on the harmonics a bit too much in the section before the chorus. I'm listening to it again as I write this and I really dig it. Nothing beats the original but Bloodhunter plays it with gusto.

When I turned to the rest of the album, I quickly discovered just how good Bloodhunter is. For those new to the band, as I am, here's some background: The band was started by guitarist and songwriter Fenris back in 2008. Even though the band has faced several changes in lineup and direction, adding Diva Satanica (vocals) to the lineup gave them an extra edge. The band's full-length debut appeared in 2015 and was embraced by fans of extreme metal. This album, the band's second, is the first with XTREEM MUSIC.

Bloodhunter is probably best described as melodic death metal, but they play with a passion and energy that sets them apart from the crowd. Fenris's guitars are clear and crisp and his solo lines sound amazing. Diva Satanica's vocals are guttural and strong and have just enough range and variety to keep things interesting. This is female fronted metal for extreme metal fans. I also think that fans of Marcelo Aires (The Ominous Circle) will find his drumming relentless and powerful. He gives this album an extra edge as well.

Some readers may suggest there are other bands like Bloodhunter and that there's no reason to discover another melodic death metal band. I might normally agree with that but Bloodhunter is so strong in terms of songwriting and performance that this album really stands out. I really liked the instrumental track "Death and Rebirth" but listeners need to hear a few tracks with Diva Satanica's vocals. I recommend "Let the Storm Come," "The End of Faith," or "Possessed by Myself." If you happen to catch "Crystal Mountain," you might even enjoy that, too.

Track Listing:
1. The Forbidden Zone
2. The End of Faith
3. Eyes Wide Open
4. Still Standing Up
5. Death and Rebirth
6. The Queen Beast
7. All These Souls Shall Serve Forever
8. Spirits of Sin
9. Let the Storm Come
10. Possessed by Myself
11. Crystal Mountain (Death)

Added: November 3rd 2017
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1890
Language: english

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