Search - Bloodlined Calligraphy :: Ypsilanti

Very Solid, though More of the Same.

M. Dyess | 09/20/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Though female-fronted metalcore isn't exactly a new development, Bloodlined Calligraphy have made their mark within the genre over the past few years. With their last release They Want You Silent, the band showcased a barrage of upbeat hardcore with slight touches of metal, and the obligatory breakdowns that have come to define this style of music. With their most recent offering we're shown more of the same, with a few new touches here and there.



After the first track, a beautiful piano-driven instrumental which I'm told is titled after the date a band member's father passed away, the band comes out with a bang. The very first thing I noticed is the fact that Ally's vocals are much deeper. Despite this slight change her lyrics remain audible whether she's screaming or growling her way through a track. Because of this, it's easy to focus on the general positive outlook of what she has to say from track to track. A fine example of this is the third track, an anthem of acceptance that finds Ally screaming "Take it or leave it, no regrets"; of which, during the final seconds of the track, the rest of the band gang screams over a slow chugging breakdown.



Much of the same continues through the 4th and 5th track, the latter of which turns out to be the best song the band has ever written. Here they seem to put all of themselves into this one song, providing a fine example of what metalcore is capable of when done right and with passion. We're also given a rare instance in which Ally actually sings, alternating with a rather vicious growl mid-chorus. The lyrics are again positive and even hopeful, made all the more powerful by Ally's steadfast way of expressing them.



After two somewhat unimpressive songs, track 8 more than makes up for lost time. After a couple of minutes of thrash-inspired riffing the song morphs into a fast groove section, which then comes to a halt and gives way to an inevitable earth shattering breakdown. I would suggest hiding any loved ones or innocent animals because this is one of the best breakdowns you'll hear in any song, period. Slowing the original groove down to about 1/3 speed, the guitars are left to ring and the crash cymbal finally re-introduces itself for the remainder of the song.



As the album continues it never quite matches the power of the 5th track or the utter destruction of the 8th track. There's nothing wrong with that, however, as the remaining songs stand well on their own. Per the usual with this style of metalcore you're not going to find anything new or innovative on this record. Perhaps it would be nice to see the band experiment beyond a slight change of vocals, but I really see no need for such a transformation. Bloodlined Calligraphy are good at what they do and have been for a few years now. For fans of exciting and straight to the point metalcore, I'd recommend giving this and the rest of their albums a shot.



--Matthew Dyess"

Dont buy it here

All-access Customer | 01/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this is a great cd but you can get it for 5 dollars including shipping from facedown records website. plus your money is going to an independent label instead of a major company"