BLOODBOUND: CREATURES OF THE DARK REALM

 BLOODBOUND

CREATURES OF THE DARK REALM 

   Bloodbound are rapidly becoming one of the most notable bands in the crazy world of modern Heavy Metal. Their stunning new full-length release, Creatures Of The Dark Realm which is impressively their ninth album to date, has all the magic and power required to take this band to skyscraping new heights. Fully embracing their own distinguishable sound and style which Bloodbound have been diligently weaving for approaching two decades now, while not allowing themselves to be restricted by the Power or Heavy Metal labels assigned to them, these rising stars have forged yet another authentic and genuine Metal triumphal treasure.

   Keys and synths help to build dynamic soundscapes which beautifully complement abrasive drumming, rumbling bass tones, crunchy riffing, splendid shredding and masterful vocals, an instrumental union demonstrated perfectly on the excellent anthemic title track "Creatures Of The Dark Realm".

   Drawing upon the magical charm and melody of traditional Power Metal, the likes of the spectacularly uplifting "When Fate Is Calling", the soaring "Ever Burning Flame" and "Death Will Lead The Way" have all the epic metallic force and explosive energy necessary to make these tracks highly memorable and thoroughly enjoyable.

   Steeped in dark atmospherics and wielding intensely crushing riffs and vocal shrieks, "Eyes Come Alive" provides a refreshing polarity to the largely upbeat and jovial vibes presented throughout the majority of the album. Creating a wonderful stomping rhythm with pounding synths and guitars, "Gathering Of Souls" is certain to be a future sing-along and dance demanding live favourite. 

   Sing-along choruses are of course an essential component of any true and enduring Heavy Metal album and Creatures Of The Dark Realm is no such exception; take the heavy yet melancholic "Kill Or Be Killed" for example, which boasts one of the most infectious and instantly memorable chant worthy choruses of all the material present. The track's delicious riffs and solid musicianship is also deserved of high praise.

   "The Gargoyles Gate" is a whirlwind of speedy Power Metal majesty with folky guitar leads and huge gang vocal choruses. Guaranteed to appease fans of the heavier end of the Power Metal spectrum, more specifically the distinctly more aggressive approaches favoured by the likes of Sabaton and Powerwolf, "March Into War" is an intoxicatingly dark and moody eruption of crushing heaviness, armed with angry tides of scratching riffs, pounding foundry percussion and encapsulating guitar leads.

   The brilliance of Bloodbound's wholly mesmerising and gripping Heavy Metal continues resolutely through the collosal "Face Of Evil" and the blistering yet beautiful finale of grandeur, "The Wicked And The Weak" closing the album with relentless drumming, blistering guitar solos and spades of infectious vocals.

   Overall, Creatures Of The Dark Realm is another solid offering from this fine band, who are no doubt going to leave a lasting impression on the Heavy Metal and Power Metal scenes. With a catalogue as strong and consistent as theirs, there is no denying that Bloodbound are clearly destined for much greater power and glory to come and Creatures Of The Dark Realm is certainly going to help take them there.

NO NONSENSE METAL RATING: 8.5/10

For fans of; POWERWOLF, DRAGONY, FREEDOM CALL.  

You can watch the full review video here;

  THANKS FOR READING! FEEL FREE TO COMMENT OR ASK ANY QUESTIONS! DON'T FORGET TO SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE! SUPPORT METAL!