Up-Load UK, Gigs News & reviews Death Hate Speed, Bloodstream

Death-Hate-Speed by Bloodstream
Self Released January 2005

Bradford thrashers mixed bag.

This third release from Bradford based metallers Bloodstream is a bit of a mixed bag. Sounding great in parts, the death metal style vocals don’t always sit well with the material though I have to confess I prefer death metal styles to switch between clean and death styles, it always seems to me to give greater emphasis for the devilish sounds produced. The whole package seems to work best on opening track Epiphany and the closer, a cover of Anthrax’s Only. I find myself getting quite into Epiphany with its straightforward approach, quality solo and good headbanging rhythm. Very enjoyable. Day 13 starts of with a Maidenesque blast of double tracked guitar, and then heads into more Doom laden territory. Switching between the two, it’s a good two minutes before the vocals start. A good thrasher this, and at over six minutes it’ll give anyone a good workout and a stiff neck in the morning. I think it all starts to slip a little on from Hatred to Ashes though. It starts off well, the music going in a more Doom style with some nice riffing going on. But it seems to go on for a little too long, even though it’s four seconds shorter than the previous track and I find myself waiting for the parts where it picks up the pace a little. California Uber Alles doesn’t fare much better, though I think I just don’t like this style of vocal with this song. It was always one of my favourite Dead Kennedy’s songs, so I find the adjustment tricky, though I imagine it works quite well in a live environment. Things look up again with Only, an Anthrax song. The drums pound away almost tribally at the start, and the vocals seem to work really well with the riff as the song gets underway.

The production is ok, nothing special. Contrasts between highs and lows are a bit one note, though everything can be heard quite clearly. Bass is nice and dirty, guitars squeal away clearly and the vocals never threaten to be swamped. It just needs to be a bit more dynamic. The packaging design is good, and the note on the back that says “Total Headbanging Time – 24:40” raises a chuckle with me. Not great, but definitely a band to check out if you’re into Death/Doom/Thrash or Gothic metal, there’s potential here for sure.

http://www.bloodstream.org.uk/
Epiphany and Day 13 can be heard here.
http://www.myspace.com/bloodstream

Line Up:
vox - Robb Philpotts
guitar - Rick Peart
guitar - John Hanslip
bass - Ian Bell
drums - Adam 'Goldie' Goldsmith

Recorded & Mixed by ‘Bart’

Track List
Epiphany
Day 13
From Hatred to Ashes
California Uber Alles (Dead Kennedys cover)
Only (Anthrax cover)