Bloodhorse EP

Attention riff lovers: Bloodhorse's EP was created just for you. This three piece Boston group showcases a love of both classic rock and modern metal on their appropriately titled debut release for Translation Loss and the result is a highly contagious piece of stoner rock jam-packed with enormous riff after enormous riff. And since these guys have been around for a while and have done work for a number of influential bands (The Red Chord, Saves the Day, American Nightmare and Premonitions of War, to name a few) EP may be labeled as a debut, but it sure as hell doesn't sound like one. Bloodhorse could draw comparisons to current acts like Entombed, The Sword or Boris, although characterizing the trio's sound isn't that simple. The opening track, "I'm Burned," serves as a relatively thorough introduction to the band as the slightly jazzy beginning drum beat sets the foundation for the fuzzy bass lines and winding guitar riffs that soon follow. That track's instrumentally driven style and moderate tempo is very telling of the entirety of EP and it becomes clear that this disc is just as heavily influenced by classics like The Who and Deep Purple as it is by Crowbar and Entombed. And when the vocals make their sparse but welcomed appearance the listener is treated to very appropriately fitting singing of a melodic yell type. EP simply has rock written all over it. Bloodhorse provides many standout moments to choose from and whether it's the Eye of the Tiger-esque midsection of "Son of Man" or the up-tempo riffs accompanied by the infectious repetition of yelling "Yeah!" in "The Goat," EP just begs to be cranked at max volume. These guys also do a fantastic job at having a very evenly weighted sound with drums, bass, and guitar all carrying a significant load. Want proof Well, "The Goat" happens to have a four and a half minute drum solo smack dab in the middle of it, so these guys weren't exactly fucking around when they decided to allow each instrument time in the spotlight. So even though this disc is overflowing with stellar guitar riffs, it's impossible to overlook the other two-thirds of the group pumping out excellent rock rhythms and gritty bass lines. The production on EP is yet another highlight. Before I heard Bloodhorse I was anticipating a filthy production job oozing with feedback and sludge, and while there's definitely a market for that type of style, their choice to go with a slightly cleaner sound works out in their favor. There are still plenty of stoner metal riffs to go around, but Bloodhorse was wise to skip the standard doom/sludge sound and aim for a production job capable of showing off their heavy classic rock influence and knack for well-balanced writing. Bottom Line: EP may be a debut disc, but Bloodhorse's seasoned members display great talent in writing stoner rock jams heavily influenced by both classic rock and more current metal. If you love big guitar riffs backed by excellent fuzzed out bass lines and creative drumming then EP and you are a perfect fit. One listen and you'll have it blaring at peak volume in no time.