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Bloody Heels: Ignite The Sky
Bloody Heels - Ignite The Sky Album Art

Bloody Heels: Ignite The Sky

Melodic Heavy Metal Rock
4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 26.06.2020 | Released: 10.07.2020

One of the great things about writing music reviews for better than 13 years is simply discovering new bands from around the world. Today that band is Bloody Heels from Latvia in the Baltic States region, neatly tucked between Estonia and Lithuania. I'm sure Latvia has a rich musical culture, but Bloody Heels is the first band from that nation that's been pitched to me. The band has been around since 2012, dropping an EP, Summer Nights in 2014 and their debut long-player, Through Mystery, in 2017. On these strengths, Bloody Heels has toured extensively across Europe. Now, the foursome returns with their second effort, Ignite The Sky, having been signed to Italy's Frontiers Music.

Bloody Heels - Click For Larger Image

Bloody Heels

Taking some large inspiration from the classic rock Eighties, Bloody Heels plays a 2020 version of melodic heavy metal rock. The band keeps their formula simple: razor sharp, yet harmonious, riffs and blazing solos, riding over a tough rhythm section bristling with rock groove, with Valts Bertsins' (aka Vicky White) raspy and assertive voice leading the gang vocals. All these things are wrapped up in arrangements that feature the sin qua nons of melody, harmony, and memorable refrains for AOR-like accessibility. Out of all these characteristics, I was mostly taken with Haralds Avotins (aka Harry Rivers) impressive and soaring guitar solos. But constant readers know that I'm huge guitar solo guy.

Too sample several songs, for some sharp riff rockers listen for Ignite The Sky, the bass lead Farewell To Yesterday, Stand Your Ground, or the quite speedy Streets Of Misery. For something of a heavier arena anthem, check out No Matter and its memorable chorus. With Silhouette, Bloody Heels offers a pleasing rock ballad. Open with soft acoustic guitar and voice, these then are embellished by a cello. Yes, cello. The song rises heavier for the fine guitar solo. Following this, Healing Waters delivers a fine AOR heavy rocker that advances to a guitar solo near the middle, before dropping to a smooth breakdown featuring saxophone. Yes, saxophone. You've got to love that. Needless to say, Bloody Heels are some creative musical fellows.

With those things said, all that's left to say is: get this album. If you like melodic heavy metal rock with sharp riffs and terrific solos, wrapped up in creative and catchy arrangements, you will enjoy Bloody Heels and Ignite The Sky.



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The Bottom Line

Get this album. If you like melodic heavy metal rock with sharp riffs and terrific solos, wrapped up in creative and catchy arrangements, you will enjoy Bloody Heels and Ignite The Sky.

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