Heads up Metalheads! Watch out because Body Count is about to deliver a knock out punch with their latest release and hardest hitting record to date, “Bloodlust.” It’s been awhile since we’ve heard anything from Ice T and company but the band is back with a frenzied and furious mix of metal mayhem and a whole hell of a lot to say.
The political and social climate in this country was ripe for a new Body Count record and the band has obliged with tunes that touch on what’s been going on in this country recently. A news broadcast opens the record with “Civil War,” a thought provoking song that features a guest appearance from Dave Mustaine. Following that is the lead single “No Lives Matter” which has Ice T’s take on police shootings and the Black Lives Matter movement accompanied by searing riffs from guitarist Ernie C. The sound on this record is hardcore and not for the weak of heart. Body Count is a great mixture of metal with all the gloom and doom of Black Sabbath combined with the thrash speed of Slayer and an unequivocal punk rock attitude. “Here I Go Again” has that Sabbathesque dark and ominous feel while “This Is Why We Ride” has a solid groove. There is even a cover of Slayer’s “Raining Blood” and vocal help from Randy Blythe on “Walk With Me.” The songs are interspersed with spoken words from vocalist Ice T and the album ends in the same fashion with the spoken closer “God Please Believe Me.”
Even though it’s been 25 years since the release of “Cop Killer,” it seems that Body Count hasn’t lost a step delivering their best album yet. “Bloodlust” is punishing and brutal and a must listen for all metal fans.
