Bleeding Through’s latest album is a bold and epic display of their signature fusion of metalcore, blackened death metal, and symphonic elements. While they continue to refine their craft, some moments feel like a rehash of familiar territory, making certain tracks less impactful. However, when they fully embrace their strengths—massive riffs, haunting atmospheres, and blistering intensity—they deliver some of the heaviest and most dynamic material of their career.
The album kicks off with "Gallows," setting the stage with fast, distorted riffs, raw and aggressive vocals, and punchy drums. The track feels like a throwback to early 2000s metalcore, packed with unrelenting energy and a dark, grimy edge. Synths swirl in the background, adding that signature gothic atmosphere that Bleeding Through has mastered over the years. The clean vocals attempt to bring a sense of melody, but they sometimes feel a bit flat compared to the raw power of the harsh screams.
"Our Brand Is Chaos" follows, bringing a slow and ominous build-up before launching into thick, crushing riffs. The lyrics carry an aggressive, confrontational tone, though certain lines, like "Oh, fuck with us and find out," come off as a bit forced. That said, the sheer power of the vocal delivery makes up for any lyrical missteps. The symphonic elements are more prominent here, weaving a dark and almost cinematic atmosphere throughout the song.
As the album progresses, "Dead, But So Alive" injects a sense of chaos with erratic, blackened metal riffs and relentless drumming. The raw aggression is tempered by a grandiose chorus, where the clean vocals soar over the storm of distorted guitars. The addition of haunting female vocals near the end elevates the track, making it one of the more dramatic moments on the album.
One of the standout songs, "Hail Destruction," leans heavily into the band's gothic influences, opening with a slow, menacing intro before exploding into a whirlwind of double kicks and dark, atmospheric guitar work. The snare hits with a crisp snap, and the layering of synths gives the track an almost symphonic black metal feel. This is where Bleeding Through truly excels—blending melody with sheer brutality in a way that few bands can replicate.
"Lost in Isolation," featuring Doc Coyle of God Forbid, introduces a more groove-laden approach, with bouncy, mid-tempo riffs that contrast against soaring, ethereal clean vocals. The breakdown is deep and crushing, making this one of the heavier moments on the album. The old-school metalcore elements shine through, creating a track that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The interlude "Last Breath" serves as a brief but haunting respite from the chaos. Ethereal female vocals float over somber strings, evoking an eerie, melancholic mood. It’s a moment of calm before the storm, leading directly into "Path of Our Disease," which reintroduces their signature ferocity. The song starts strong, with eerie synths and guttural screams, but structurally, it leans a little too much on standard metalcore tropes.
Another high-energy track, "I Am Resistance," features Andrew Neufeld of Comeback Kid and brings a fast, punk-infused tempo with power-metal-inspired guitar work. The chorus takes on a stadium-sized anthem feel, though the cleaner vocal sections don’t quite hit as hard as the brutal verses. The guitar solo carries an early-2000s nostalgia that fits surprisingly well within the track’s chaotic framework.
"Emery" is where the band takes an experimental turn, incorporating unsettling synth work that creates a hypnotic, nightmarish atmosphere. It feels like a descent into madness, with clean and harsh vocals intertwining in a way that amplifies the song’s unsettling vibe. The track slowly builds towards a crushing, chug-heavy breakdown, and when the female vocals take over at the end, it becomes one of the most haunting and memorable moments of the album.
With "War Time," featuring Brian Fair of Shadows Fall, the band doubles down on blistering speed and metallic fury. The song is pure chaos, with rapid-fire drum patterns, razor-sharp riffs, and monstrous vocal performances. The chorus has a chilling, almost cold quality to it, adding a layer of eerie detachment to the track’s relentless aggression.
The album closes with "Unholy Armada," a song that encapsulates everything Bleeding Through has become known for—massive, booming drums, eerie synths, and bone-crushing riffs. While the song doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel, it serves as a fitting conclusion, reinforcing their ability to refine and perfect their signature sound without straying too far from their roots.
Overall, Bleeding Through delivers an album that is both punishing and theatrical, staying true to their core sound while introducing just enough variation to keep things interesting. While some tracks feel slightly formulaic, the sheer intensity and conviction behind their performance ensure that the album never feels stale. This is Bleeding Through doing what they do best—combining melody, brutality, and gothic atmosphere into a sound that remains uniquely theirs.
RATING: 7.5/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Gallows
Hail Destruction
Last Breath
Emery