Bloodshed – Inhabitants Of Dis

Russell

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Jul 15, 2001
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The starry attic
www.russellgarwood.co.uk
Bloodshed – Inhabitants Of Dis
code666 2002 Code011
By Russell Garwood

Formed in 1996 by drummer Mikael and guitarist Joel, Bloodshed recorded their debut demo, “When The Night Betrays The Light”, in 1997. By this point the line up was complete, with second guitarist Joel, Stange on bass and growls, and vocalist Glenn. Stange’s unfortunate death led to a replacement, Robin being found. After a further demo, “Laughter Of Destruction”, they were signed to code666. Three thousand copies of their next release, “Skullcrusher EP”, were sold. “Inhabitants Of Dis”, their latest release and debut album, is more forceful, extreme and technical than its predecessor – a death/black hybrid with a complexity not usually found in such releases. They do not forego the heaviness or ferocity however, and the short, extreme songs rush by in a vortex of intensity.

The drums put the emphasis on speed rather than variation, which complements the music, and the vox range from speaking through black metal screams to the guttural growls of Robin. The thrashing guitars are melodic and precise with less prominent bass. There is variation, however - some of the songs contain effects, samples and acoustic guitars, while there are also refreshing quieter sections in some of the heavier songs. My favourites are numerous; “Release” utilises Rakoth-esque spoken passages above a solitary acoustic guitar, “Dark Trace” has numerous time changes and melodic guitar parts, making it memorable if not catchy, and “Kiss Of Cruelty” combines the quieter and heavier elements present in Bloodshed’s music. “Deceit” is an acoustic interlude while “Psychosomatic Revelation” is a varied track which closes the album to perfection.

The production of “Inhabitants Of Dis” by Thomas Skogsberg at Sunlight Studio (Entombed, Dismember, Merciless) is, like most black/death, powerful and clear. You can, however, notice its weaknesses on the acoustic tracks, where the sound could be better. The artwork too is impressive, and Bloodshed live up to their label’s impressive and fast-growing reputation. One of the less demanding and more accessible bands on the labels roster, the complexity of the eleven songs on display here means the album is by no means short-lived and Bloodshed are more direct than their label mates. A powerful, impressive debut album, “Inhabitants Of Dis” will appeal to fans of both (technical) death and black metal