Review Summary: As Blood Runs Black take a formula they know very well, and make the best album they probably could have with their new members.
As Blood Runs Black is one of the many "love-hate" bands. Some people find them to be quite catchy, with solid (albeit boring) breakdowns and riffs, while others just find them at the top of the generic totem pole. It has been 5 years since the release of the acclaimed
Allegiance album, which was held to a fairly high standard. After such a long absence,
Instinct has finally debuted (after a couple years of delays). Now the real question is "Is it worth the wait?".
In a sense to everyone love or hate, the answer is yes. While some might still find them generic and boring, their musicianship and song writing have improved vastly. Fresh new guitar leads are to be found all over this album, and many will leave you unknowingly bobbing your head and having a slight grin on your face. A prime example of this is Echoes of An Era, the tenth track on the album. The bass on
Instinct is a bit more audible this time around, and Nick does a great job of holding his own with the guitarists. The drums are about the same production quality, but everyone knows Lech is a phenomenal drummer.
One thing I have to note about this album, is there are many different influences throughout. Some songs have a very Black Dahlia Murder feel (Angel City Gamble), while others have an All Shall Perish style to them (Tribulations, Reborn). That's not to say it's a bad thing, they take these influences and execute them in a coherent manner. Throughout the album you can see the different styles they have expanded to since
Allegiance.
Instinct clocks in at around 33 minutes, which is a bit shorter than their previous release. However if you are a fan of ABRB, all 33 minutes will be joy to your ears to hear a band so far gone make such a comeback. For those of you who aren't that impressed by them,
Instinct will surely change that opinion for some of you.
Recommended Tracks:
Echoes of an Era
Instinct
Divided
