Bloody Falls’ fourth album is ready.
Simply titled IV, it arrives just two years after its predecessor and confirms the renewal of the partnership between Antero Hakala (vocals), Stavros Mathios (guitar), Marko Mäkinen (guitar), Mika Lehtinen (bass), and Rami Vartiainen (drums) with Art Gates Records.
The band hits the ground running with By My Own Grave, a catchy and groovy opener that skillfully blends the band’s old-school roots with a modern yet aggressive sound that fits perfectly with their choppy rhythm section. The vocals are no slouch either, contributing to the constant rage while the leads bring the more ominous tones to this lengthy track before moving on to the steamroller that is Pestilence Is All I Need, a composition that veers toward hellish heaviness and imposing touches in the background. We’re treated to a piercing solo that stands out against the rest of the very direct track, then we shift to a more measured approach on I Am The Devil, a heady track that quickly picks up speed and hits hard, retaining the energy of the style’s roots. The shifting vocals are particularly effective on the chorus, embodying madness and fury while transitioning naturally from one to the other before leading into The Four, a new, catchy track that gives the bass a bit more freedom while featuring riffs simple enough to make for a fairly accessible mix except for vocals, which are far more abrasive. There are some very melodic sections on this track, as well as a skillfully placed acceleration before propelling us into Doomed To Repeat and its vengeful tones, which will allow the audience to let loose completely during live shows while offering unifying and majestic choruses. Another acceleration with The Churn, a track that will make you want to frantically bang your head in time with the bouncing harmonics, then we slow down on the heavy Mother, Your Son Is Bleeding, a track featuring striking choruses and a slightly more aggressive rhythm section to counterbalance the oppression. Wrath marks a sharp acceleration, a track that features a touch of technicality but also showcases a band clearly determined to go all out at every moment, particularly during the final mosh part; then we return to painful melancholy with Enter The Mourn, which relies heavily on its straightforward sections, nuanced by certain more haunting passages. Before The Alpha takes over with a martial approach that effortlessly serves the violence of the riffs and screams while offering plenty of groovy passages, then Black Death grants us a moment’s respite with its intro before letting loose for one last heavy charge, alternating between almost haunting passages and devastating blows, then the apocalyptic finale will finish off what’s left of our necks.
Bloody Falls has returned sooner than I expected with a fairly long but still effective new album that gives us little respite. I recommend you warm up properly before listening to IV – you’ll thank me later.
85/100
