BLEEDING THROUGH
The Complete Truth
Trustkill Records 2008
www.trustkill.com

Live Bleeding Through pics (2006)

Genre
HArdcore / death metal

The Good
Bleeding Through originally released The Truth in 2006. The band was so successful that the group revisits that album with bonus tracks and a bonus DVD for 2008. You know you're in for an intense ride when an album kicks off with 'I don't give a fuck!' "For Love and Falling" is a multi-tempo track full of anger and intensity. Signature vocal growls are met with burst of melody. "Confession" keeps the rage onslaught coming with driving guitars and blood-thirsty snarls. "Love in Slow Motion" still manages to keep things heavy, while exploring more melodic aspects. "Line in the Sand" is hands down the jewel of the album, with the emphasis on textured keyboards and vocal harmonies. Don't think for a second that Bleeding Through has gone soft. "She's Gone" is a two-minute explosion of hatred. "Hollywood Prison" flies at break-neck speed and never lets up. The DVD is a great representation of what Bleeding Through is all about. Most of the material in the 7 song set is from the Truth, with a few band favorites thrown in for good measure.

The Bad
The bonus tracks "One Last Second," "Fall on Proverb," "13 Scars," and "My War" fit well with the previously released material. However, they are not mastered like the main portion of the album. They are softer in volume, but are not presented as demos.

The Verdict
I am not a fan of this kind of music. When was the last time you saw me review this stuff? However, this album is phenomenal. The Complete Truth is a death metal album about love and loss, which is not exactly what you associate the genre with. The group mixes growling vocals with melodic ones, and they work together perfectly. The haunting keyboard tones give the group that little edge the need over their contemporaries. I wish I had a chance to listen to this album the first time around.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne