Three years removed from Shrine, metalcore act Bleed from Within is back with their seventh album in Zenith. The group is one that has continued to grow and impress over the years with their attempts to branch out their formula. Zenith is no different in that regard. While it’s easy to hear the metalcore within their sound, Bleed from Within continues to refine their edges and take some risks along the way, which makes it a treat to listen to.
Starting things off with “Violent Nature,” it’s clear that the band is back in tip-top shape. Frantic riffing and drum blasts, a taste of some thrash in their energy, and some cinematic synthwork comes together with some aggressive barks and a rumbling breakdown along the way. “In Place of Your Halo,” however, begins to toy with more. There’s a fun injection of bagpipes, as well as some urgent mid-tempo riffing that makes the track an easy one to remember as it rolls along, and the bagpipes give it some extra flash at the song’s end. “God Complex” gets the grooves rolling real good, with infectious yet heavy riffing and chanted ‘heys’ leading the way, with playful melodies weaving their way around at the same time. It moves into “A Hope in Hell,” which enjoys a more slow-burn and almost ballad-y opening to it. Drenched in melodies, it slows the pace down nicely and allows for a moment’s breath. “Immortal Desire” takes the cinematic scope to the next level, incorporating operatic chants and harmonies to lead the charge at times, with some moments that sound as much power metal as they do metalcore. Something that later cut “Known By No Name” capitalizes on with it’s soaring bombast clashing directly (and effectively) with driving metalcore riffs and energy.
The variety that the band presents from beginning to end is it’s strongest suit. Bleed from Within effectively up their game by taking the ‘standard metalcore’ formatting and take the time to add to it in interesting ways. It makes for an album that’s massively heavy and energetic, but twists and turns through different spaces so that you are forced to pay attention. For that, Zenith should thrill metalcore fans and is worth a listen to anyone who might be on the fence.
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