Categories : Hard Rock + Metal, Music Reviews.
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Rating: 3.5 / 5 Reviewer: Kait Bohan |
Declaration is Bleeding Through’s defining album, showcasing the darkest, most raw side of the band. Producer Devin Townsend’s influence can clearly be heard here, through the prominent drums and high-pitched vocals, this is no doubt an evolution in Bleeding Through’s sound.
Although the band hasn’t completely abandoned their past sound, the keyboards seem to be more of a secondary instrument than it has been in past albums. Keyboardist Marta has taken on a whole new set of string instruments to tie into the heavy metal sound to compensate for the lack of melody brought in by the keyboard. ‘Sister Charlatan’ fuses beauty and melody into the hardcore vocals and deep percussion of the song. Marta is heard clearly in this song with a full orchestra – this is a perfect example of what makes Bleeding Through unique in the metal industry.
The newest member, Jona Weinhofen also adds a new level of energy to the guitar. ‘Reborn from Isolation’ features a solo that sounds straight from the hands of Kirk Hammett.
Fans of past albums may be disappointed with the new albums lack of melody and almost overpowering vocals. The Truth was appealing because of the unique sound. Mixing melodic chorus’ with gut-wrenching heavy metal guitar cannot often be pulled off, but Bleeding Through accomplished that in the past. Declaration is rougher around the edges, but a terrific showcase of the band’s versatility.
