Bloodbound : Unholy Cross
by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer
Swedish power metal troupe Bloodbound is back with a new offering, entitled Unholy Cross. This is the band’s fourth album, and comes after a significant change, namely the not entirely amicable departure of vocalist Urban Breed (also ex-Tad Morose), who gave the band a degree of name recognition and cache within the power metal community. With Breed out, expectations for the new album were somewhat lowered, but Unholy Cross may be the band’s most enjoyable album yet.
Bloodbound has always had a darker, heavier take on the traditional power metal sound, and judging by the sinister cover artwork and title Unholy Cross looked like it would continue that trend. Opening call to arms “Moria” puts that assumption to rest in a hurry. The Olsson brothers’ songwriting has put a greater emphasis on melody, which is exactly the right complement for the talents of their new vocalist, Dawn of Silence frontman Patrik Johansson. With a voice that recalls both Bruce Dickinson and Tobias Sammet, Johansson’s vocals soar triumphantly through the galloping rhythms and wickedly catchy melodies. Bloodbound seems very aware of the recent success of their fellow Swedes in Sabaton, so Unholy Cross has a familiar sound, especially on battle-themed songs like “Brothers if War” and “Together We Fight.”
Unholy Cross is clearly modeled on the Iron Maiden and Helloween template, so it’s not all that original in terms of its overall sound. You’ve heard this kind of music many times before. Still, there’s something to be said for the familiar, melodic approach to power metal. Bloodbound’s earlier, darker efforts were arguably more creative, but Unholy Cross is a lot more fun, and has a lot more songs that will inspire you to raise your fist and sing along.
If you’ve already figured that without Urban Breed, Bloodbound is no longer worth hearing (you know who you are), Unholy Cross may come as quite the pleasant shock. This is a very strong, very addictive melodic power metal offering, and one that fans of Gamma Ray, Nocturnal Rites, Sabaton and especially Edguy should absolutely love.
Genre: Power Metal
Band:
Tomas Olsson (g)
Fredrik Bergh (k) (v)
Anders Broman (b)
Pelle Akerlind (d)
Henrik Olsson (g)
Patrik Johansson (v)
Track Listing:
1. Moria
2. Drop the Bomb
3. The Ones We Left Behind
4. Reflections of Evil
5. In For the Kill
6. Together We Fight
7. The Dark Side of Life
8. Brothers of War
9. Message From Hell
10. In the Dead of Night
11. Unholy Cross
Label: AFM
Web site: http://www.bloodbound.se/
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.25/10