In This Moment - Blood (2012)^{Release ID: 18879}

In This Moment had fulfilled their starter trilogy with the metalcore heaviness of Beautiful Tragedy, the alt-metal melody of The Dream, and the in-between of A Star-Crossed Wasteland. So what's next? It was time for the band to go further down the Dream path, replacing most of the earlier metalcore elements with the first hints at their electro-industrial side that would take form in later albums...

Maria Brink and Chris Howorth have been working together in the band since their formation in 2005, and their teamwork continues to show in their 4th album Blood. Here we have some pop melody added to modern metal with some guitar soloing to spice things up every now and then.

The fascinating intro track "Rise With Me" consists of orchestral synths and Brink's singing. The title track already confirms the twist in the band's sound, which may sound weird at first listen, but you'll eventually enjoy it. A furious catchy single with a spicy guitar solo! "Adrenalize" is another great track to please the crowd. "Wh*re" has electronic atmosphere to get you hooked. "You're Gonna Listen" has solid guitar including killer shredding by Jake E. Lee (not to be confused with ex-Amaranthe vocalist Jake E).

One track that is a bit weird is the interlude "It is Written". It segues to "Burn" which is a slow anthem with stunning alt-/industrial metal that practically blends together Fear Factory, Mushroomhead, and late 2000s Soilwork. Then we have the more radio-friendly "Scarlet".

"Aries" is another ambient sample-based interlude that seems to take away some energy from this otherwise glorious album. "From the Ashes" also has an issue, with its cringy ending, but it should please a bit of the live crowd. "Beast Within" is another slow anthem that sounds like Within Temptation gone Mushroomhead. "Comanche" contains unique industrial aggression that makes this song one of my personal favorites of the album. "The Blood Legion" has some beautiful melancholy as you hear the pained emotion from Brink's voice. Ending track "11:11" replaces much of the music with theatrical drama as only Brink's vocals can be heard in both her own singing and layered choirs. A rather interesting way to go out.

Blood is one of those albums that with every listen, you'll find more appeal. Only the sample-based interludes and one of the tracks I find generic, but the rest of the album prevails with kick-A power. Something enjoyable enough to make you out for blood!

Favorites: "Rise With Me", "Blood", "Adrenalize", "You're Gonna Listen", "Burn", "Beast Within", "Comanche"