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01. Age of Apocalypse
02. Prion
03. Greetings from the Gallows
04. She Speaks to me
05. Rainman
06. Uatu
07. The House of Fists
08. Beatnik
09. Beginner’s Luck
10. Technicolor Jackets
11. Weeping Willow
12. Call Waiting (John Doe has the Upper Hand)
13. Six Twelve
14. Cortisone
Not much need be said about this CT slugfest known as Blood Has Been Shed that hasn’t already been beaten to death prior. They’re simply one of the strongest acts of this style and flourish in ways few bands can ever hope to in their career. Although not too widely known, with only a mere 20K combined copies sold between both previous efforts ("Novella of Uriel" and "I Dwell on Thoughts of You"), there is still far too many of you out there that have yet to tap into the ferocious efforts these guys have made to conquer your heart and break your neck.
Although I would normally prefer "Novella of Uriel" to the latest offering "Spirals," there is still much to be said about a band that never ceases to amaze me. BHBS have always been one of those bands that you have to listen to their album 15-20 times through to get it, or even get into it, whichever comes first. These are always the albums you fall in love with and the bands you can almost call your own. Time and time again they keep on giving you more and more to love and a fresh new band in a sense. I’m not sure what original members are still left in the band since the press sheet barely touches on anything, let alone band history. But, I know they’ve been through some harsh lineup changes throughout their lifespan which would certainly explain the change in sound between each album.
This record is very much leaned toward Meshuggah "Chaosphere" material, with less emphasis on the metalcore (this is truly a welcomed change since Meshuggah has recently gone down the shitter with their anything but stellar "Nothing" record). The off-timed riffing throughout and crushing breakdowns are what keep the kids coming back to BHBS. With any BHBS record, the main aspect of emphasis is vocals. Not suprising, "Spirals" is a vocal clinic for Howard Jones (also of Killswitch Engage) to showcase his skills. His singing defines the band inside and out and they wouldn’t be half the band they are now, without him behind the mic.
Bottom Line: There are so few metalcore bands around these days that are worth a shit. When you find one noteworthy of writing home about, such as BHBS, you have to place the stamp on the envelope and tell all your friends ASAP.It’s a shame that more people aren’t in the know about this band. Seriously, there is not much more that needs to be said here other than - here is a band that’s worthy of so much more than you’re giving them.
