BLOODLINE SEVERED

Though not reaching stratospheric levels of metallic bliss like label mates DAGON ("Terraphobic"),on "Visions Revealed" BLOODLINE SEVERED make a strong Christian metalcore showing that is far more death/thrash than 'core. Unlike the failings of THE AUTUMN OFFERING's "Requiem", "Visions Revealed" is a growl 'n croon album that often works pretty darn well and rocks a hell of a lot harder.

It is also a case where tossing out names like IN FLAMES, AT THE GATES, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE and DEMON HUNTER is not just promotional hyperbole; there is some truth behind the words. Though not there yet, one can hear the potential for greatness in this North Carolina troupe. BLOODLINED SEVERED tears it up convincingly with talented players and very catchy melodies. The boys come with all guns blazing, thanks in large part to a six-string assault from guitarists Derek Corzine — who has toured with ALETHEIAN — and Aaron Macemore that just oozes molten metal. Vocalist Corey Weaver holds down both ends of the vocal spectrum with skill, especially his ability to carry a melody with his clean singing. The pairing of fire power and grace is most evident early on with "Reborn" and "A Vision Revealed", both incredibly infectious tunes, even though the chorus of the latter sounds like something Kelly Keagy of NIGHT RANGER could have sung. I swear that's not a slam and I did my best to keep that reference out of this review, but damn if that's not what came to mind. So sue me; it's still a damn good song.

The album contains several other strong tracks as well, including a stone cold cruncher called "Coalition" and the melodious "Silhouette of Doubt". The band isn't hesitant to spice things up occasionally either, even if it doesn't always work. The compositional juxtapositions on "Internal Battles with Internal Consequences" are a tad ill-fitting and the rather CHIMAIRA-esque "Fear of Reality" (featuring the angelic backing vocals of Amy Lynn Corzine) is somewhat out of place. Lynn's appearance on epic slow-builder "Once Empty" are a nice touch, but the arrangement as a whole is a bit messy.

The need for some compositional tweaking and a couple of tunes where the melodies don't shine as brightly (e.g. "Mirror the Reflection", even with that exotic guitar lick) notwithstanding, "Visions Revealed" has a lot going for it. The future looks bright for BLOODLINE SEVERED.