It goes without saying that fresh, root-to-branch metal is hard to find these days. Soundscapes can go bland and start to feel too familiar. I won’t name any of those acts that I feel follow this copy/past model of music making, but I will revel in how truly imminent the rise of Bloodstained Sky is. I’m sure you’re sick of hearing songs/albums described as “harmonious,” “ethereal,” or “brilliant…” but the debut EP of Fort Wayne’s newest and most exciting metal act is all that and a bag of riffs!
This production is ladened with an all-encompassing ambiance, sensational stringage, and emotive percussion and vocals that truly snatch the breath from your lungs. One of the best descriptors I could use for To: You Know Who is avant garde metalcore at its finest.
It plays with time signatures as much as it bends genre concepts. Alchemizing a sound that blends vocal styles and pushes the limits of each human instrument behind these monumental tunes.
Quoting their e-press release, here is a pretty clear indication of this groups' dedication to their craft:
'"There was a lot of collaboration between us,” Jeff [vocalist] shared about the creative process. “We really tried to stay away from ‘no.’ Any idea that came up, it was more like, ‘let’s see how we can make that work,’ and we made it work.” This open-minded approach helped the band explore new territory while staying true to their core sound....'"
Tempos are torn down and stitched back up with rhythms that are wholly experimental but intentional to this EPs listening experience. You will hear influences of pop punk, pop itself, post-hardcore, Midwest emo, straight up rock n’ roll, OG metalcore, hints of blues that have been laced in sunshine-y brutality, and a wicked sprinkling of elements reminiscent of nu-metal/industrial music.
With each cycle of this EP, more and more do you find that every staccato, every bridge, every chord progression, every belt (clean or extreme), every facet imaginable in relation to these songs is weaved with the intent of garnering participation from the listener. You’ll find yourself flying high on a chorus just to be god-slapped back down to earth by instrumentation so hard it’ll shake the stage rails.
All in all, as I stated to their Marketing person, I truly have not heard metal like this; and I’ve been listening to metal for the better part of 20 years. It feels crisp and full of vigor. Jeff Figueroa’s vocals are most unique, and pinpointing an exact way to describe them just doesn’t feel right. You simply have to hear it.
This same statement stands for the overall instrumentation and production on this release. AJ (bass/keys), Irving (guitar), and Joel (drums) all shine immensely in their roles and contribute scrupulous musicianship to this eclectic soundscape.
If you are into metal/rock at all, heck, if you’re into just music that is made for the sake of having fun and sounding damn good… this EP is your next favorite jam! To keep up with Bloodstained Sky and any of their future movements beyond To: You Know Who, follow their socials and keep your ears perked for more. This is only their beginning!
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