As Blood Runs Black - Ground Zero (2014)^{Release ID: 30624}

As with the gap between the band's first and second albums, As Blood Runs Black had suffered some misfortunes before their 3rd album came to be. This included changes in lineup, record label, and even getting robbed. It all became too much for the band to take, and after the release of this album Ground Zero, they would embark on a final tour and split up for 7 years. So how does Ground Zero stand out?

Yet another powerful offering from this band! As Hector De Santiago (drums), Nick Stewart (bass), and guitar duo Greg Kirkpatrick and Dan Sugarman carry on, they've brought in the versatile Chris Bartholomew as their new vocalist.

We have a kick-A punchy intro in "City Limits", though it's more like a short song unlike the previous intro tracks. Then we get into "Insomniac" which already introduces some new aspects for the band, including clean singing by Bartholomew and even some odd yet nice violin at the end. The title track is a true anthem, complete with chanting from members of bands Volumes and Thy Art is Murder. "Vision" is a prime example of the band's impressive sound. Epic breakdowns, plus a clean chorus to balance things out.

"All of Nothing" perfectly unleashes relentless music and lyrics. "Chapters" is a nice interlude to set things up before the next track. "An Oath" is a slow clean song unlike any of the band's other songs. Probably the most ballad-ish song they've ever written!

Then the speed really comes back up in "Eulogy", which is the closest you're gonna get to the earlier melodeath-infused roots. "Surrender" continues the earlier chants. It's a sweet yet heavy track, though I feel like some things are kinda hitting a wall. "Survival Rights" has more of that motivational energy. It really wraps up the album and the initial part of their career on a heavy note.

All drama aside, you gotta appreciate the greatness As Blood Runs Black has had over the years. I think the lyrics could've have a little better, but at least I enjoy those new aspects like clean singing and occasional violin. While they ended up unfolding after this album, their recent reformation shows that their journey is not yet finished!

Favorites: "Ground Zero", "Vision", "All or Nothing", "Eulogy", "Survival Rights"