Customer Reviews

Declaration [Vinyl]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"This is Love, This is Murderous" lifted Bleeding Through out of murky underground obscurity, and though it was a little uneven and rough around the edges, it was powerful, sincere, and unique. "The Truth" saw them heading down a slightly softer, more accessible road, though they still retained a seething bite. I was worried that they would tone it down even more with "Declaration," following in the footsteps of All That Remains, In Flames, etc. I was wrong- in fact they went in the complete opposite direction and churned out a scorching masterpiece that makes their previous efforts look like mere sound checks.

Remember how surprised you were with Soulfly's "Dark Ages?" Everyone was saying "Boy, Max is really mad." With "Declaration," every song boils with hatred and fury. Of course, they were always angry- they're a metal band. But the venom flying off this album isn't the mournful "b*&%& you broke my heart" hate, it's way beyond that. With that said, it translates into an album that will doubtless alienate many fans of their earlier work, but I see this as the natural evolution of their sound. They always had a creepy, semi-goth vibe to their thrash/hardcore heaviness, and it's full throttle here. I would dissect this album as 30% hardcore, 30% death metal/thrash, and 40% black metal. There are grim staccato riffs and blastbeats a-plenty, accompanied by terrifying shrieks and bellows. Imagine if "Waking the Fallen" era Avenged Sevenfold, Slayer, and Emperor had a drunken orgy. Actually don't imagine that, but throw these bands into a meat grinder, turn it up to 11 and you've got "Declaration."

I applaud them for fleeing the well-trod road of commercial accessibility and making an album that will shock and awe their audience with it's fury, power, and bleakness. There are still a few melodic moments and the breakdowns are in abundance, so it's still unquestionably Bleeding Through, but they've pulled a Barry Bonds and chugged the steriods en masse and become a terrifying metal behemoth. In a year of monster releases (Slipknot, Metallica, Soulfly, Opeth, etc.), "Declaration" stands out as the most pleasant and blistering surprise of the year. Twenty seconds into the second song (the first is an ethereal intro), your jaw will be on the floor, I promise.

Bleeding Through has done it again! With this release they have finally perfected the perfect blend of black metal, metal and hardcore or black-metalcore if there ever was a genre, Bleeding Through started it! Brandon's vocals are much more diverse on this record, with the low grunts, high screeches and some clean vocals here and there. Marta's keyboards are incorporated more throughout making them more noticable on this record than the previous three. Big muscular riffs and tight rythym section you would expect. My only complaint would be the single note breakdowns. They are pretty rampant on this record, though it doesn't take away what is truly great about the album. If anybody thought that they would go the softer or more 'commercial' sound after the truth, you couldn't be anymore wrong. Declaration is more darker, faster and heavier and I'm enjoying the hell out of it!

Bleeding Through has never truly fit into the mold of simply one genre. By embracing influences of multiple genres, including: Black Metal, Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore, and Hardcore, Bleeding Through has established a very unique sound unlike any other band within the Metalcore genre. With each new release, it seems as if the band is changing, evolving into a more matured band that embraces its influences with each new album.

It comes as no surprise that if someone asks me what my favorite genres are I will always tell them Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore; and if someone asks me who my favorite band is I will always respond "Bleeding Through". This album, yet again, proves that Bleeding Through is one of the most talented Metalcore bands in existence today.

The ability that band has in order to evolve with each sequential release is truly amazing; starting off more along the lines of pure hardcore with their albums "Dust to Ashes" and "Portrait of a Goddess", their style became more melodic influenced upon the release of "This is Love, This is Murderous". This trend continued onto "The Truth" and is even stronger on their latest release "Declaration".

"Declartion" is a mixture of Melodic Death Metal, Metalcore, and Hardcore. By taking the best of each of these genres and mixing them together, Bleeding Through has once again made a truly unique, and amazing album. The opening track "Finnis Fatalis Spei" starts off with a very haunting melody, and then interludes into a more classical sounding tone, while still retaining that haunting tone. It then quickly transitions into a set of high octane, double bass drum beats, accompanied by Brandan's traditional growl/yell that fans are accustomed to hearing from the band.

The lyrical content is darker on this album than what it was on "The Truth" and on the style is also much heavier than what was seen on "The Truth" as well. Whereas the album "The Truth" focused on clean vocals for the choruses, "Declaration" features a bare minimum amount of clean vocals. Instead, the band focuses more on heavier sounding growls, rather than the more traditional yells associated with Hardcore and Metalcore band these days.

Every track also features a much more dominant keyboard track in the background. This helps create a new tone for the band, a much darker, a boding, and haunting tone than what has been done with past releases. This helps separate "Declaration" apart from other recent releases within the Metalcore genre. "Declaration" has a dark tone that is seen more often with Gothenburg style of bands, rather than American Metalcore bands. This new mixture of melody, along with instrumental work is truly amazing, and it's a great new direction for the band.

I love every track on this album, but my favorite has to be "Sister Charlatan". The opening melody of that track is simply amazing, and the blend of hardcore, metalcore, and melodic influences truly shine. From the deep grunts, the yells, the higher pitched screams, and the well sung clean vocals, Bleeding Through hits a bulls-eye with amazing accuracy. Another song that is worth listening to is "There Was a Flood", but then again every track is worth giving a listen. If anyone wishes to listen to a metal album that truly sets itself apart from stereotypes and displays a wide range of talent, both vocally and instrumentally, then look no further than Declaration. A truly stunning album from start to finish from a truly unique band.

upon listening to "the truth", I was almost positive that Bleeding Through would have gotten even softer. After all, that is the route that most metal bands go.(i.e. in flames, soilwork, poison the well, 18 visions, ect.) So imagine the look on my face after listening to "Declaration" all the way through. This is deffinately not the softer direction I had anticipated. This is the raw pure hatred and energy and darkness that I would expect from Dimmu Borgir. Brandon's vocals are primed to perfection throughout the whole album. As far as the soft and clean singing goes, there are only 3 tracks where he does that, and thankfully, those parts are in all of the appropriate places. However, the most deserving of gratitude goes to Marta, she really raised the bar on this one, especially on the final track,"Sister Charlitan". A keybord solo?, who could ask for more? On a side note, I was also pleased to find out that "Declaration" was produced by my hero Devin Townsend of Strapping Young Lad, but that really has nothing to to do with it. After listening to the whole album 5 times, I have decided that I've finally found a Bleeding Through album that I like more than "Portrait of a Goddess". BEST BLEEDING THROUGH ALBUM EVER!!!!!!

I'm not sure if I'm reviewing the SELLER, or the actual CD, so I guess I'll just do both.

SELLER:
The case I received it in is a little weird, and with no lyric booklet, but I can't complain, it was extremely cheap and it arrived in near-perfect condition about a week earlier than I expected it.


CD:
Money well spent. Each track is the perfect combination of thrash and melody. This guy's vocals are incredible, and there's a lot of soul in this album. The lyrics are pretty great too.

this review comes from someone who is dearley passionate about Bleeding Through. I have followed these guys for almost 4 years now and have witnessed their progression from Dust to Ashes, portrait of the Goddes, This is Love, and the Truth, (self titled review on the way). i've been a member at amazon for years now and i figured it was time for me to voice my opinion. i was one of the ones who anxiously anticipated declaration's released after it had been delayed thanks to trustkill. but all that was said and done with and it was finally released over two years ago. now things have come full circle and now its time for me to critique them. most thought BT's pinnacle of success was The Truth. i would agree with that statement in terms of records sold, not improvements. Declaration is the definitive album in the band's 10 year career. it improves on everything that made the other albums awesome and throws a whole bunch of curveballs at you. yes this is BT, but it is a totally different sensation, almost a 'new' BT.

Brandon, Marta, Jona (now with BMTH), Brian, Derrick, and Ryan have truly pulled out all the stops with declaration. as the theme of the truth flowed quite well, declaration isnt just a song, but the theme of the album. its riddle with ambiance and borders on the emotional side. brandon finally delves deeper into his song writing divulging his 'final' goodbye to the anguish that initiated his song writing years ago. marta's notes have take a sudden shift towards the black metal side,ut it is all too fitting. the riffs are deeper and heavier. add intruments, brandon's scathing voice, and powerful harmonies, and you have one of the best albums in the genre.

released over two years ago, i will try to review each song appropriately now that i have had substantial time to let everything sink in.

FINIS FATALIS SPEI (5/5) - a enrapturing intro by marta starts the album off, plunging you deep into the 11 tracks that remain. its prevelant in the intro the mood and theme of the album are going to be the key in repsecting its entirety.

DECLARATION (5/5) - starts with a pulse-pounding intro that never lets up followed by brandon earth shattered screams. his vocal range in this song particular is quite extroardinary. add in a guest spot by as i lay dying front man tim lambesis and you have a masterpiece. its the band's staple against all oppostion and truley becomes an instant BT classic.

ORANGE COUNTY BLONDE AND BLUE (5/5) - released as the first song off declaraction on their myspace all those years ago. its fast and heart-wrenching...one of my favorites of the album.

GERMANY (5/5) - its been quotes that this is brandon's favorite song off the album, in which i would agree. this one in particualr has a specific vibe to it that none of the other ones share. the evoking instumentals backed by brandon's vocal prowess make germany the all-star. the ending of the song is one of the most raw and intense thing i have ever heard.

THERE WAS A FLOOD (5/5) - if you catch the intro, it is a scene from the matrix revolutions (i believe, when smith finds seraph and the girl, all the lights shut off in the corridor). in any case, the harmonious beginning is extremely captivating, almost too sensational. this is one of the most standout tracks on the album. it takes the album to a new height revealing their diversity with clean vocals and a spotlight by marta herself.

FRENCH INQUISITION (4/5) - a fast, rigid song that amplifies the quality of BT work. it truly delves into brandon's mind based on the choices of lyrics and symbolism.

REBORN FROM ISOLATION (5/5)- again, brandon shows us his range in vocal skills that grips you until the song is over. this song can be linked right to the ongoing theme. keeping in mind the overal tone and symbolism of the term 'declaration.' also a intense guiat solo from current guitarist david nassie breathes new life into the track.

DEATH ANXIETY (5/5) - nothing less than perfect. most have seen it on youtube or on their myspace. i cant say enough about this track, it sounds so brutal with the intrumentals yet peaks when it arrives at the chorus which is one of the most profound on the album. also it was ryan wombacher's turn to start utilizing his voice as well.

THE LOVING MEMORY OF ENGLAND (5/5) - transitions beautifully from death anxiety and slows the album down before it ends too soon. its short but packs and emotional punch with again, the symbolism of the album. it justhas that ambiance that creates goosebumps.

BENEATH THE GREY (4/5) - a solid track indeed. it has a diverse range of instrumentals and packs a punch.

SELLER'S MARKET (4/5) - i enjoy the song becuase it preps you for the ending. it sounds cool but doesnt quite stand out amongst the rest as being truly definitive

SISTER CHARLATAN (6/5) - the conlcusion to the album. the end of brandon's torment. everything that he needs to say comes to an end here. there arent any words to describe this track. most have heard it live, or downloaded it by now. but its much more significant than that. the sheer power and force emitted from the song are indescribable. brandon finally gets the thing that has bothered him the most for all these years, off his chest. it exudes sheer feroucity that cant be matched in any of their other songs. the rapture of the intro pays homage to finis fatalis spei and starts immersing you in powerful guitar riffs. the brandon's voice compells you to feel his emotion and understand the band's statement. match powerful verses with an all too perfect clean section with ryan wombacher and you have a masterpiece. when the climactic build to the ending comes, you almost are inclined to start it over or turn it off becuase you dont want it to be over. but the finishing statements of the song conclude the album astoundingly. followed by a mesmerizing outro yor left with your jaw on the ground and wondering what could possibly top that ending. it is (in my opinion) their best song, and one of the genre's most influential.

BT have overdone themselves with the album. like i said, i am a diehard fan so some of this may seem like bias. but this album is sheer gold...

Bleeding Through is one of those bands that's just plainly underrated and Decleration proves that theory. Is it better then their previous albums? Quite honestly, I like the sound a little bit better. This album is great for two things: pumping you up and pissing you off. Two great elements for a metal album. Songs worth a look at are: Germany, Sister Charleton, and Death Anxiety. One thing though: if you don't like screaming "demon voices", this probably is not the ablum for you. Even though I myself wish they would do a few songs with a normal voice, because the singer actually has a pretty good voice when he's singing normal, but this album doesn't have that. Other then that small detail, it's actually a really good album.

Amazon is, in many ways, a great little tool for anyone seeking out new music. Find an album you like, and trace a new path via what other people also bought. Thus I stumbled across "Declaration" and, doing something I rarely do, went out and got it without even so much as a preview.

I should preface this by saying I'm a metal fan through and through, with a heavy emphasis toward death metal. My playlists are full of Deicide and Suffocation, with Brain Drill being a recent favorite. The "metalcore" genre is not a particular favorite of mine as most examples in it are less than inspiring. So I gave "Declaration" a spin, expecting some nice, if forgettable, metalcore.

The opening track, "Finnis Fetalis Spei" is forgettable fluff and did not inspire confidence. I'm not big on metal bands putting a soft instrumental opener, and I was instantly turned off by this.

However, the title track's blistering opening is one of the most intense sonic experiences I've ever had. The mile an hour drums with the thunderous riffs and phenomenal vocals all combined to a point that I felt compelled to write this review. Look at my history, I don't do this often, but "Declaration" is amazing enough to force my hand.

Even in its softer spots ("There Was a Flood"), the album doesn't lose its punch. Front to back, save the opener and the end of the closing track, this is one of the best metal albums I've heard in a long, long time. Get it.

I've listened to BT off-and-on for years. I'll admit I've always kind of lumped them into the trendier side of the fence, along with a lot of the flash in the pan groups since the early 2000's.

That said they've really won me over with this release and shown they have what it takes to maintain their foothold in this genre.

Bleeding Through is for real.

The album is bold, dark, fast, and nuanced. And it's not often I describe a metalcore band as "nuanced".

So like a handful of my favorite bands, they've managed to "mature" without dumbing down their sound or catering to any one notion.

I was impressed at how well Bleeding through keeps getting better as time progresses. It is clearly evident that are making progress when intergrating more keyboard sounds. This album also has more of a bit of brutality and hardness then they're last release "the truth". This is a great recommandation to all Metalcore/Black Metal lovers.