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Through The Eyes Of The Dead Bloodlust

01. Intro 02. Two Inches From A Main Artery 03. When Everything Becomes Nothing 04. Bringer Of Truth 05. Beneath Dying Skies 06. The Black Death And Its Aftermath 07. Truest Shade Of Crimson 08. With Eyes Ever Turned Inward 09. Force Fed Trauma 10. The Decaying Process 11. Outro

2005 Prosthetic Records

Our score 7

by Ash Levitt

12/6/2005

Metalcore is a genre I do not readily gravitate towards if given a choice of various genres. This is not because, as many people would stipulate, one genre is better than another (usually with the all too common, and lazy, ">" to represent all opinions). It is because there is very little current material within the genre of metalcore that pushes musical boundaries. In short, there is simply very little to care about in this genre. It too often seems to be the case that it has either been done before, or if not, it shouldn't have been done in the first place. However, this does not mean that there aren't some bands in this particular niche in the scene that should be paid attention. Through the Eyes of the Dead is one such band that deserves to be listened to despite its mediocre company. Through the Eyes of the Dead proved with their EP for Lovelost Records that they, quite bluntly, weren't fucking around. The short release was a pipe bomb of hard-hitting tracks that proved that good songwriting is essential in any genre of music, but especially in metalcore; because this is what separated, and continues to separate them, from other stylistically similar bands. Including a split release with the Knife Trade, TTEOTD were primed to release a proper full-length. While the newest offering for Prosthetic, titled Bloodlust, doesn't hold the same flame of sheer intensity and brutality as the EP did, it is a very solid release that demonstrates there is still hope for the genre. Listeners familiar with anything TTEOTD has done in the past will be surely at home with the material on Bloodlust. Stylistically, much is the same here. This is both good and bad. It is good because listeners will know what to expect, and the band further carries the torch of their previous efforts well here. However, this is bad because the musical ground the band treads is beginning to be a well beaten path indeed. In other words, it would have been better to see the band explore a little more in terms of sound, style, and creativity. Nevertheless, it is what it is, and it is well done. For those unfamiliar with the group's work, it is metalcore that emphasizes the metal aspect over the core part. There is nicely harmonized dual guitar work that when supplemented by the bass provides an excellent canvas for the drumming, which like previous TTEOTD releases, is very nicely executed. The vocal attack utilizes the familiar range between outright screaming and guttural utterances. Each track incorporates breakdowns but does not completely rely on them, which is most certainly a good thing. Some tracks, like "When Everything Becomes Nothing," demonstrate the fulfillment of potential that was exhibited on the EP, melding fine songwriting with a ferocious style (there is even a reworking of the EP track "Beneath Dying Skies"). However, other tracks, while not being poor by any stretch of the imagination, are also not exactly outstanding. Bottom Line: Listeners should know where they stand in general with this type of music. It is quickly becoming a love it or hate it kind of genre. If you have liked previous TTEOTD material, you will surely enjoy Bloodlust. If you have not heard this band but enjoy other promising newer bands like Embrace the End, then this is also for you.

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yousuck_ 12/6/2005 8:33:22 PM

first post bitches

Through The Eyes Of The Dead Bloodlust

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