Search - Bloodsimple :: Red Harvest

More Bloodshed

Andrew Estes | Maine | 11/06/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In 2005, Tim Williams and Mike Kennedy rose from the ashes of Vision Of Disorder to unleash the multi-faceted, maximum-impact Bloodsimple. Whereas Vision Of Disorder started to fall apart at the seams towards the end, this new band's debut, "A Cruel World," showed a band who knew what they wanted and how to do it. The songs rocked in all the right places, and when they took a few stops to do some lighter fare, it was pulled off effortlessly and effectively. Truly, one of the few new bands in today's metal scene who is up for more than one task. Having said that, I am happy to report that their second album "Red Harvest" is anything but a disappointment.



First off, fans of the debut, especially the heavier side, will find a goldmine of razor-sharp vocals, groove-heavy riffs and pummeling drum-work -- courtesy of studio drummer Will Hunt of Dark New Day fame. In fact, "Red Harvest" turns out to be a much more intense and consistent album than "A Cruel World." Frontman Tim Williams seems to have developed a predilection for serial killers, if the lyrics sprinkled throughout the album are any indication. Not only does this angle give the album sort of a concept feel, but it also makes it feel like a more cohesive piece and actually gives it a bit of fun and camp that most bands in this genre don't dare put into their music. Just take the title track, one of the juiciest cuts of the album, as it plays like a live performance. A lot of what was established on the debut is carried over here, but the band isn't afraid to take new direction with the likes of "Dead Man Walking" and "Whiskey Bent And Hellbound." The musicianship is spot on, and even if the production is a little too polished, the album still sounds gorgeous. Purists might find that it smells of nu-metal a bit in parts, leading to the album's only downfall --they're starting to sound a bit in the same "vayne" as their boss' band.



To be honest, it's a rather fluid and seamless album. Bloodsimple have stepped up to the plate and delivered something as intense as their debut, while keeping it fresh and interesting. It might take a few good listens to settle in, but all in all, "Red Harvest" is a sign of a band that is only getting much tighter and quite frankly, better. If you want something loud, fun and heavy, "Red Harvest" is it."

2nd disc as good as the 1st

cyanide | Grand Rapids, MN | 11/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another great job in the studio from the guys in Bloodsimple. This disc is a great follow-up to their debut. Songs like "Dead Man Walkin", "Suck it up", "Killin Time", and "Truth" make this CD worth 5 stars easily."

Amazing Follow-Up

R. Caplan | NJ, USA | 10/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Red Harvest', the sophmore album from NYC Metal band bloodsimple is a phenomenal follow-up to their breakthrough 'A Cruel World'.



This album contains more structured rock songs, better and more intelligent lyrics, the bass is stronger, and the guitar work is [again] very solid and flowing.



I bought this album b/c I am a fan of VOD and also of producer Machine - I loved what he did w/ 18V and Lamb of God records.



5/5 Buy This Motherf*cker!"