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Bloodbound: Unholy Cross

Melodic Heavy/Power Metal

4.5/5.0

AFM Records
Website Facebook MySpace
by Craig Hartranft,  03.14.2011

Sweden's Bloodbound returns with a new stable lineup (hopefully), a new record deal with AFM, and a new album Unholy Cross. Finally finding their groove with 2009's Tabula Rasa, Bloodbound once more delivers a sound and invigorating platter of melodic heavy/ power metal.

To that latter statement, while most would call it derivative, Bloodbound has become expert interpreters of the genre. They deliver heavy metal with big melodic hooks on Drop the Bomb and The Ones We Left Behind. Then they can blister and pummel with the charging power metal of In For the Kill or Message from Hell. Other songs steer a middle course taking attributes from both like the closer and title cut, Unholy Cross. Bloodbound also shows their aptitude for a pure heavy metal anthem on Brothers of War. Kudos to current singer Patrik Johansson (Dawn of Silence) for a solid and versatile performance; he shows real passion for the material.

Overall, this is Bloodbound hitting the heavy metal groove. Though like many in the same field, they can sound a bit to familiar: In the Dead of Night sounds like Edguy circa the 'Mandrake' era. Yet I'm sure their critics will find even more similarities.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

With Unholy Cross (and a stable lineup), Bloodbound is revived once more to deliver their entertaining version of melodic heavy and power metal.

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Here's a fun fact about Swiss legends, Gotthard: their last 16 releases, excepting their debut album, went to number one in their home country, making them one of Switzerland's most successful acts and ... [ Read More ]