Blood Runs Cold is the debut EP from Blood Runs Cold, a band that brings together members from groups like Koyo, Sanction, title Fight, and more. This release promises to deliver some hard-hitting mosh metal, but while it has potential, there are a few bumps in the road that hold it back from being truly great.
The vocals, unfortunately, are the biggest setback on the entire EP. Across all tracks, they are buried in the mix, making them incredibly hard to hear. This issue is especially noticeable with the guest vocals, which should be a standout moment but instead feel muffled and distant. This is a significant misstep in terms of production—both the mixing engineer and the vocalist need to take responsibility here. Clear and prominent vocals are crucial to metal, and this problem detracts from the overall impact of the songs.
Another issue with the production is the bass. It almost feels like there's no bass at all. The low-end frequencies are completely missing in the mix, which leaves the songs feeling a bit empty and unbalanced. Bass can anchor the sound and give metal music its power, so the absence of it here is noticeable and disappointing.
On the positive side, the guitars sound solid throughout the EP. The riffs are tight and bold, carrying the weight of the music. The drums are also a highlight, with a snappy, punchy sound that hits hard, especially during breakdowns. The rhythm section—guitars and drums—do a great job of driving the music forward, with their dynamic playing keeping things energetic and engaging.
While there is a slight sense of repetition in some of the songs, for the most part, they feel fresh and energetic. The band's energy shines through, and the music is fun to listen to, even with its production flaws.
Ultimately, Blood Runs Cold's debut EP shows a lot of promise, but there's still work to be done. The vocals need to be brought to the forefront, the bass needs to be more present, and the overall mix could use some polishing. If they can address these issues, this band has the potential to deliver something really powerful in the future. For now, though, it's a solid effort with room for improvement.
RATING: 7.5/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
White Noise
Residuals
Mercy (Put Me Down)