While not a definitive case, Osaka-based metal troupe Blood Stain Child have a disorder that I like referring to as Early Installment Weirdness; the Japanese band is usually known by most for their amalgamation of melodeath, trance, and industrial styles, but Silence of Northern Hell when it was first released boasted an overall different direction compared to what BSC have gone on to do since. Sporting clear orchestral elements, Blood Stain Child's full-length debut album showcased a group who were shamelessly aping Children of Bodom's early material, right down to the cover artwork as well. Not that I dislike CoB or anything because I don't, but it's honestly good that these guys eventually found the sound people recognize them for nowadays - especially seeing how uninspired Silence of Northern Hell is. Ryo's monotonous vocals coupled with the mostly lukewarm song arrangements clash against the relatively great instrumental work on board, which is a shame due to the flashes of promise that also exist. Not a bad first impression altogether, though not terribly interesting either.
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