1st January 2024

Review: “Self Titled” by Bloodshot (3rd Anniversary)

Oxford Groove Death Metal riff slingers Bloodshot could have imploded after the departure of their original vocalist but after three years that saw them open for King 810 and play Rabidfest they weren’t about to give up the dream so easily. Instead they became a four piece and picking up where they left off with a pair of 2018 singles in “Split” and “Dead Silent” they threw down the gauntlet with a two track self titled EP which paved the way to a return to Rabidfest in 2020. Their inspirations in the 90s Death Metal scene were well known but with guitarist Mac adding vocals to his duties for this, the jury was out on what it might sound like…

… fortunately they reached a verdict pretty quickly and there was nothing to worry about as the opening strains of “Deity Deceived” confirmed the strength of the Oxford outfit was not diluted by the departure. Instead, laced with Pantera Groove Metal verve and swagger alongside the Death Metal punch of Cannibal Corpse the band are in their element. The lead work raises the hairs on the back of the neck, the band not afraid to embrace the whammy bar during extended runs into solos, in Old School and yet refreshing fashion. The satisfying crunch of the guitar tone is matched by the crisp clean drum sound which goes along way to ensuring that they sound like the prize fighter they truly are. Mac mixes it up with a couple of shriller moments to enhance his deep death growls, the lyrics still perfectly understandable during this mighty fine assualt on the senses. Another juggernaut, “Feed” plays out at the tempo of the damned as a call to a circle pit, the interplay between the vocal layers something the band will need a pair of vocalists to replicate in the live arena. Both intense as well as fierce, this one has plenty of bounce in the riff department, perhaps taking a lead from the self titled album from Cleveland Ohio brutes Chimaira. Who doesn’t love a vicious little ditty? They’ve also managed to capture their live energy here which makes the World of difference. We hereby put our flag in the mountain and claim the right to a 7″ slime green vinyl for the masses! [8.5./10]

Track Listing