RSS Feed


THE BLEEDING
Monokrator

Redefining Darkness (2023)
Rating: 8/10

This is album number three from volatile London, England-based death thrashers The Bleeding and it’s one that sure as hell leaves its mark. Founded 13 years ago, I’m surprised that the band’s recorded output has been somewhat sporadic, but this new platter savagely rips at the throat of all who dare listen.

Vocalist Jamie Stungo has such a vicious rasp to his voice and his hostile chops are matched by the malicious attack of the instruments. As soon as ‘Chemical Lobotomy’ hits you your ears are shredded as it blitzes like an evil mash up of Slayer, Kreator and Sadus but with a decidedly modern and spiteful twist. The dynamics are devilish in design and blistering and it’s the utter ferocity of this beast which astounds.

The chaos continues with ‘Chainsaw Deathcult’, a relentless thrash malevolence so scathing yet riddled with wild leads and percussive violence to a maximum. The Bleeding have no time for soothing melody although at their least lethal they provide abrasive, mid-tempo arrangements such as on ‘Mutation Chamber’, but for a majority of the time this eight track offering goes all out. However, it’s far from being a generic blur due to the clever guitar work on numbers like ‘On Wings Of Tribulation’.

There are flashes of speeding, colourless Teutonic thrash throughout as well as nods to Demolition Hammer and the contemporary style of Skeleton Witch, but first and foremost this is a blazing, dark and sniping thrash record awash with abrasive yet meaty riffs and gnarly vocal tradeoffs. If you’re in need of a kick or you’re feeling pissed off then this is one album I suggest you slap on.

Neil Arnold

<< Back to Album & EP Reviews



Related Posts via Categories
Share