October 2018 Album of the Month – Bloodbath’s The Arrow of Satan is Drawn
Monday, 12th November 2018
There’s something to be said for having a bit of fun with your heavy metal. The entire attitude of Bloodbath, from its humble beginnings, was that of the esteemed members getting a chance to cut loose with the material that they loved. While the musicianship may be quite deadly and serious, there’s something playful about Bloodbath. The Arrow of Satan is Drawn completely nails it at its core. Blistering and smile-inducing riffs, punishing vocals, and a solid foundation make this one a winner, and continues Bloodbath’s streak as a supergroup that is more than worthy of the title.
An excerpt from Matthew Bowling’s 9/10 review, which posted on October 31, 2018:
The Arrow of Satan Is Drawn, like every Bloodbath release in over a decade, sees the injection of new life through addition of second guitarist Joakim Karlsson (of Craft fame), bringing new songwriting talents with him. Vocalist Nick Holmes, now several years removed from the controversy that shadowed his addition for Grand Morbid Funeral and coming across much more comfortably, is the grand patriarch of filth with his clearer, raspier vocal delivery.
Songs that leave nary a bit of breathing room. The majority of the songs ring in at the four minute mark or less, each title tightly wound with a sequence that allows little time for distraction in the album’s 41 minute run time. The album is fucking thick, the bass adding a bottom end to the guitars and then some, a rapacious void all its own that has had no issues will vibrating my small apartment throughout the week. And a special bit of mention to the album cover, unorthodox in that isn’t overtly gory, instead possessing a subtler menace that belies the ferocity found within.
What else is there to say? If you’re familiar with any of the parent bands you know what Bloodbath is about. If you’re not The Arrow of Satan Is Drawn is a modern foray into the primordial Swedish sound that isn’t just carbon copy #947 of Left Hand Path. Embrace it, revel in the shtick and probably enjoy the most fun you’ll have with a metal album this year.
Read the entire review HERE
