"Blindside's follow up to the solid Silence is just as pleasantly hard rocking, and more consistent throughout. They haven't changed their sound much, still pumping out very enjoyable Christian-themed hard punk, although they do take a few more chances on About a Burning Fire.
The record starts off with a few vintage Blindside tracks, "Eye of the Storm", "Follow You Down", and the single "All of Us". They all contain great hard guitars and enjoyable, catchy refrains. The next song, "Shekina", is a step in a different direction, featuring a beautiful female vocal, nice music, and some lyrics in the band's native Swedish.
The next couple songs are the most forgettable. "Hooray, It's L.A." features Billy Corgan on the guitar, but you wouldn't know if they didn't tell you. "Swallow" has a slightly infectious chorus, but these songs are merely solid, not really good. The next really good track on the album is "After You're Gone", which is a little too short. It's a great song with really haunting lyrics, and it really gets you caught up in its power.
The next couple tracks are a bit of a departure. "Where the Sun Never Dies" starts out fairly standard but ends with an unusual (for this band) techno interlude, and "Roads" is an out-of-nowhere, slow-moving song with a Western flair that's kind of hard to describe. The final song is the title track, which goes back to what Blindside does best, hard guitar riffs accompanied by towering, throat-shredding vocals. It's a good way to end an album for an album that does what they do about as good as anyone."
Ah, the Swedish
Jonathan W. Mccrary | Fayetteville, AR | 09/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD surprised me a whole lot. I didn't know what to expect when I bought it--I was just going on a recommendation from a friend. After listening to it for a while I was absolutely hooked. I'm not much of an alt-rock/metal fan, but I absolutely love Blindside. The melodies are creative and fresh. The guitar work isn't too fancy, but it makes for great songs. The drum work is also creative. This cd is a must have for rock fans who want something fresh and innovative."
Blindside not just silence
Orrin Edenfield | Cincinnati, Ohio United States | 02/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After much anticipation with all the teasers from the free track on the website, the video for "All of Us", "Swallow" on the game Need for Speed, and the listening party at Shoutcast yesterday, I went out with one purpose today, to buy this cd! Blindside continue to innovate and push the boundaries of hard music as we know it. Hopefully this record will get more play time then Silence did here in the Midwest. I am looking forward to seeing them at Cornerstone and this record will only make that anticipation grow even more! Stand out tracks for me include: "Eye of the Storm", "All of Us", "Shekina", "Die Buying", "Hooray, Its L.A." with Billy Corgan, and "Where the Sun Never Dies."If you are a fan of hard music, intricate music, or just music that sounds good, this record is for you. The best $10.99 I have spent in a long while."
About A Burning Fire
Luke W. | Florida, USA | 03/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sound: This CD is by a band called Blindside that is from Stockholm, Sweden. This CD rules because of the unique blend of hard rock and vocals that scream passion right into your face. One of the songs, "Shekina", is partially written in their native tongue, Swedish and has a Swedish singer as well. This is just one of the many unique sounds on this album.
Lyrics: My overall impression of the lyrics on this CD were that they were skillfully written and, after a few listens, are easy to sing along to. The singer, Christian Lindskog, blends screaming with heart-felt vocals that tie into the emotion of the lyrics. Blindside's lyrics are Christian and their lyrics back that up.
Impression: My overall impression of this band was that it was one of the best bands I have ever heard. Their lyrics and music are unique and enjoyable to listen to. The best songs are: "Eye of the Storm," "Follow You Down," "All of Us," "Across Waters Again," "After You're Gone" and "About a Burning Fire.""
Only gets better
michael | Gilbert, AZ USA | 03/08/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ive been listening to Blindside since their self titled debut back in 97. I have every cd and with everyone you see how they are changing. Blindside was the best hands down. It had everything youd ever want. ATCMM is the most hardcore and is my second favorite. Silence would be my least favorite. Not saying its bad but About A Burning Fire takes third. If you like Blindside. Get their first cus you cant say you like them unless you have there original. That is Blindside by definition.Eye Of The Storm- 5/5 - Awsome way to start the cd. It begins with a smooth clean playing and then burst into the Blindside we love and makes you say holy crapFollow You Down- 5/5- This song really shines on their older stuff with the screaming and just head banging feel. All Of Us- 4/5 - This is one of my least favorites just cus it gets repetitive. But its still cool to see them do a slow subtle songShekina- 5/5 - One of my favs. Its just a beautiful work of art that cant be taken for grantedHooray Its La- 3/5- I usually skip this song just because it gets old really fast. I expected to hear Corgans voice but he just plays guitar which is still cool but at the same time a let down.Swallow- 5/5- Very awsome. Another song that reminds me of their roots. Its a really cool headbanging song too. Tyte break too.Die Buying - 2/5- I dont like this at all. Its just not good.Across Waters Again- 4/5 - Not bad, but nothing special. Another song to skip.After Your Gone- 2/5 - Not worth the timeWhere The Sun Never Dies- 4/5 - After a row of not too exciting songs, they start to go back up hill and keeps the cd fresh and good.Roads- 4/5 - One of those songs you shouldnt like just cus youve heard it before but its still good and just relaxing to listen to. Its enjoyable and a great set up for the best song yet ...About A Burning Fire - 7/5- Hands down the best song on the cd. This song combines the history of Blindsides music and all their screaming,emotions, singing and instrumental talent into one awsome song. I never get tired of it. Great way to end the cd.If you like Blindside first get their cds you might not have. then get this one. Its amazing"