The title of an album can tell you many things about a record before you even listen to it. Some are self-explanatory like “Live at Budokan” and some are rather boring like “Volume II.” But sometimes, the title is perfect and sets the tone for the entire album. That is the case with “Blood,” the latest release by In This Moment. With that one simple word, you know the record is going to be fierce.
Led by the powerful vocals of Maria Brink and the searing guitars of Chris Howorth, “Blood” is a trip over to the dark side. Joining them on this journey is bassist Travis Johnson and newcomers Randy Weitzel on guitar and Tom Hane on drums. For this record, In This Moment has taken their core metal sound and added a bit of industrial and electronica with the help of producer Kevin Churko.
The album kicks off with the ethereal intro of “Rise With Me” which leads into the first single, “Blood.” Beginning with Maria speaking about her hatred, “Blood” quickly launches into a massive chorus which is simple but also contagious. Intro songs are used at intervals throughout the record and provide an interesting contrast with softer, sultry vocals before launching into another powerhouse attack. The aggression continues with blistering guitar work and screaming choruses on tracks like “You’re Gonna Listen” and “Whore.” The album closes with a cover of the Nine Inch Nails song, “Closer.”
The lyrics on this record are intense and complement the music really well. Brink will shout at you to “Shut Up” or urge you on with “Let me hear your war cry!” The songs walk that very thin line between love and hate and sinner and saint. Anger, lust, betrayal, and even survival are touched upon here making “Blood” one terrific record. It is not only powerful and aggressive but also sexy and at times even a little creepy.
