Review Summary: Electronically-influenced deathcore done right.
Blood of the Martyrs has been around for about 5 years starting as a youtube band. I've been a fan of them since the beginning. When they made a facebook, I 'liked" them, and added Bobby (ex-drummer, now bassist) and Lee (vocals). They are very dedicated and very christian. But they have a love for doing deathcore right. When word got around that they were writing an album, all the fans got extremely hyped, these guys write songs that at least have one part that you will always remember. It was due out in December of last year, they kept having complications, and eventually it was released in January. I bought it the first day it came out without a second thought. It is the best investment I've ever made.
These guys pride themselves on creating songs that are memorable, and it's easily understood when listening. Upon first listen you notice the very well used sampling and electronics. They create a lot of ambient effects, songs like "Showdown at Cremation Creek", sound much like Born of Osiris (The Discovery).
These guys don't follow the deathcore formula of cool intro, riff, verse, breakdown, verse, chorus, breakdown, outro breakdown. Their songs usually go: verse, cool electronic heavy part, verse, chorus, maybe a breakdown, verse beefed up, cool outro. I honestly can't think of any breakdowns on the album besides the opener and "Ahh!! Real Monsters!".
Bobby's drumming on this record doesn't really shine but it's still amazing. He never plays the same fill twice and has some very cool breakdown patterns, and very cool patterns all around. The drums are beautifully mixed on this album. The kick is very punchy and the toms sound very full. The snare is about as sharp as a razor.
But for the main point: the catchiness, their electronic inputs add SO much to the album, it'll keep you hooked and you'll find yourself having this album on repeat. Whether it's the epic "HAVE A NICE DAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!" in 'Lady Nightshade', or the eerie keyboard intro to 'Escape to the House of Mummies pt. 2', you'll find something in this band to keep you entertained.
Now this album doesn't come without it's flaws, the vocals are sometimes annoying and quiet, no audible bass, and the two guitarists tuned to A# usually play the exact same thing which doesn't add that much variety to the album.
The number 1 thing about this band as a whole is their accessibility, they usually have free shows, they'll do anything for you, they honestly care what their music does for the fans. They love that they have true fans, they are great people all around.
So, the pros: Amazing drumming, amazing guitar work which is technical as well as brutal, great sampling adds trippy effects to the songs.
The cons: No audible bass, album is a little short, sometimes annoying/quiet vocals.
The bottom line: This is a must-have if you want a crossover of Whitechapel-tuned, electronic Born Of Osiris, brutality, and a great message. 4/5
