Bleeding Through NINE

Bleeding Through have carved out a formidable place in the annals of extreme metal since their formation in Orange County, California in 1999, a region known for producing a plethora of influential hardcore and metal bands. NINE is due to be released on February 14th via SharpTone Records and it's clear the band's enduring legacy and their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots is at the forefront of their minds.

Vocalist Brandan Schieppati says of the new album:

“We knew we wanted to make a really dark record. For as raw as the feeling is, we were also very deliberate in terms of the orchestration. It's definitely a balance. We put everything into NINE. I remember saying, ”this needs to be the most true representation of what Bleeding Through is." I think we achieved that."

NINE goes straight for the jugular with opening track “Gallows.” A quote from none other than Sir Christopher Lee as Saruman in Lord of the Rings can be heard, stating “we have only to remove those who oppose us” as an earth-shattering scream erupts, carried by ominous orchestration, blast beats and frantic riffs. The track itself is about fighting self-harm and self-hatred and the instrumentation certainly showcases the dark subject material, particularly with the haunting, organ style synths and keys. “Our Brand Is Chaos” does exactly as it states, venomous screams of “fuck with us and find out” carried by a cacophony of thunderous blast-beats, slamming riffs and sinister keys. The song's instrumentation is complex with layers of guitar and keyboards adding depth to the overall sound. “Dead, But So Alive” charges straight out the gate with fevered intensity and blends utter brutality with soaring melodies of the chorus. The interplay between Brandan's clean vocals with Marta's ethereal yet powerful vocals creates a dynamic and catchy setting. “Hail Destruction” focuses on building a ominous atmosphere which creeps up on you until it unleashes an almighty scream and swings back and forth with crushing devastation. The time changes are particularly interesting here as it alternates between a rapid pace, a mid-tempo stomp and haunting whispers. The guitar solo screams and flies with pitch harmonics and intricate detailing. The piano adds that extra layer of gothic creepiness as the track fades out with unsettling melancholy.

“Lost In Isolation” opens the second section of the record and is the first to feature a guest appearance. The involvement of God Forbid/Bad Wolves guitarist Doc Coyle on this track creates a highly addictive atmosphere with a fiery guitar solo. “Last Breath” is somber and melancholic instrumental interlude with piano and haunting vocalisations, however this brief reprieve doesn't last long. The dark and intense fury makes itself known once more with “Path Of Our Disease,” a trudging, mid-tempo stomp and Marta's floating vocals echoing from the void. The keyboards and guitars twist and turn, pulling the listener down into the depths of a chant-worthy chorus followed by a devastating breakdown. “I Am Resistance” features a guest spot from Andrew Neufeld of Comeback Kid and tackles the idea of giving into your demons when you're at your absolute worst but finding the strength to battle through it. The contrast between Neufeld and Brandan on their vocal delivery creates a sense of determination and motivation supported by more detailed guitarwork and thunderous drums. The keys are in the background, lending support to the fiery intensity of the track.

“Emery” is dark and brooding with a driving rhythm and detailed guitarwork giving way to a richly melodic chorus. The use of haunting keys adds a cinematic quality to the track coupled with Marta's emotive vocals, creating a sense of longing and despair. The record's penultimate track “War Time” features guest vocals from Brian Fair of Shadows Fall and his venomous energy and power is showcased here in contrast to more ethereal clean vocals, dynamic keys and screaming guitars. Finally, “Unholy Armada” concludes the record on a blisteringly evil high. Dense symphonics and raw energy combine to create an aggressive and incredibly atmospheric anthem with shifting tempos and grandiose dynamics. 

Bottom Line: Musically, NINE demonstrates Bleeding Through's versatility and technical skill in blending elements of metalcore, death metal, black metal and symphonics to create a diverse and incredibly heavy sound. NINE is a triumphant return for a band that has been a cornerstone of extreme music for 25 years. Fans will welcome the familiarity whilst newcomers will be drawn to the record's raw energy and depth.