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Bloody Times: On A Mission
Bloody Times - On A Mission Music Review

Bloody Times: On A Mission

Traditional Heavy Metal
3.5/5.0

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Unsigned/Self-released
Released: 18.01.2019
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 09.01.2019

Started as side solo project by bass player Simon Pfundstein, Bloody Times has evolved into a German metal act that features significant guest musicians. The latest and second album from the cooperative, On A Mission, includes metal luminaries such as John Greely on vocals (ex-Iced Earth), Ross the Boss on guitar (Ross The Boss, ex-Manowar), Raphael Saini on drums (ex-Iced Earth), and Simon's own father Rainer, also adding some guitar work.

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Bloody Times

Bloody Times musical approach is classic and traditional heavy metal perhaps with a touch of doom metal. You'll find plenty of classic metal elements like guitar harmony leading to ripping and soaring solos. Also significant is the vibrant rhythm section which features Pfundstein's fine bass lines tied to Saini's drum beat and groove. As a vocalist, Greely has a classic metal voice, one that is forceful yet melodic, and easily follows the rhythm and melody of every song.

For the songs, perhaps the best way to describe them would be direct, deliberate, and heavy. The riffs are thick, the pacing steady and heavy and, with some songs almost doom metal plodding. You'll hear some of this with Future Secret, Alliance, and Fort Sumter. The doomish nature rises even heavier within The Warning (Until Blood Oils Part 1). Alternatively, the second part, The Revenge turns more upon riffs and a fast groove. With Operation Focus, the song moves upon the tandem work of definitive bass and drum line which rises boldly at the start. All in all, though I wasn't keen on the doomish element, Bloody Times' On A Mission is a solid and engaging album which should satisfy most fans of traditional heavy metal.


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The Bottom Line

All in all, though I wasn't keen on the doomish element, Bloody Times' On A Mission is a solid and engaging album which should satisfy most fans of traditional heavy metal.

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