Review Summary: død pop rocks!
There is nothing about Blood Command that isn’t at the very least
intriguing. Hailing from the mystical Norwegian coast and seemingly boasting a new, equally excellent vocalist with every album cycle, the band consistently put forth some of the most ridiculous(ly catchy) punk music out there. Fusing their heavier leanings with groovy disco-inspired textures and gang vocals that give PUP a run for their limited money, the brand new
Praise Armageddonism is a highly enjoyable effort that finds the band stretching its self-proclaimed genre of deathpop to its very limits.
Early album highlight ‘Saturday City’ encompasses all the elements that make Blood Command such a unique outfit. While its fusion of a highly danceable synth line with punchy verses and an absolutely irresistible chorus makes the track
fun, the band’s palpable passion ultimately makes the overall experience
great. Even though the separate elements that constitute the band may sound somewhat ridiculous on paper, its success can be attributed to the excellent songwriting and energetic performances that underscore
Praise Armageddonism. New vocalist Nikki Brumen shines in the aforementioned ‘Saturday City’ by adding a delightful bite to its catchy chorus, yet proves herself highly capable of contrasting these yells with smoother melodies on ‘I Just Want That Movie Ending’. Similarly, the rest of the band are perfectly capable of matching Brumen’s energy in the ferocious ‘Everything You Love Will Burn’ and the more expansive and, ugh, “progressive” ‘Last Call For Heaven’s Gate’, even if the vocalist clearly remains the driving force behind the record.
While
Praise Armageddonism is highly energetic and enjoyable throughout, Blood Command’s
intriguing shtick ends up feeling somewhat limited and limiting by the end of the record. It’s excellent fun while it’s on, but this new album doesn’t quite reach the highs of 2017’s maybe-cult-classic
Cult Drugs. It’s possible that the band are reaching the end of deathpop’s opportunities, or perhaps the first Blood Command album you hear is destined to end up being your favourite due to the
freshness of the outfit’s wonderful oddities. Regardless of its somewhat limited shelf life,
Praise Armageddonism is an excellent listen that can function as a gateway to approximately every infectious genre ever.
