ALBUM REVIEW: Blood Star – First Sighting

After releasing one of my favourite Heavy Metal 7″ records to come out in my lifetime, the hugely anticipated debut album from BLOOD STAR is finally here after three years of waiting. Target is set for Earth on April 21st, via Shadow Kingdom Records.

Ripping straight in with groovy riffs, warm bass lines and punchy drums, the instantly anthemic and fuzzy tone of the record is extremely welcoming. Equally so, Madeline’s powerful and evocative vocals which add this chilling edge to the classic appeal of the record from the get-go. There is a certain simplicity that could be borrowed from the NWOBHM bands of old, but with a very subtly unique approach that just feels different to many of their contemporaries. Going back to “The Fear”, which is a 7″ I play a ton still, I knew Blood Star was something special. Interestingly, the production has some quite 70s angles along with the more typical 80s assaults, which gives a crunchy low end and clarity that feels very open ended. This hugely benefits their marvellously rocky pacing that is a mainstay of the bands sound. From the opening moments of “All For Nothing” and “Fearless Priestess”, I am ecstatic to say I do not feel disappointed with how their debut full length (something I and many others have anticipated with baited breath) seems to have come together.

Although often using a pretty consistent pace, there is definitely explorative flourishes from the killer soloing (including some excellent bass solos) and these combine beautifully with the crushing grooves and haunting vocals to splendid effect. Each track is gripping to follow, with a huge amount of storytelling to dig into and some magnificent dynamics that play off of the bands melancholy sensibilities stunningly. Their ability to combine emotion and face-melting heaviness into something palatable and coherent is wonderful. Everything sort of moves at an appropriate pace, take for example the acoustic interlude “Dawn Phenomenon” which adds a great bit of atmosphere and a moment of respite but dives back in when the time is right rather than endlessly repeating ’til you’re bored to death.

This takes us into the lead single of the record “Cold Moon” which strikes with full force. Showcasing all of the bands vision marvellously with a huge anthemic of galloping glory that can break necks with its furious catchiness. Lyrically the song is genius and the whole thing just rips, like every other piece of this album. Blood Star are a really difficult band to pick flaws in because clearly the time taken making this record is due to the sheer unrelenting refinement that must have occurred to end up with something so stoically high quality. The subtle touches like the crisp bass or guitar leads or just melancholy chords thrown in really pull it all together and everything feels like this band has worked in such a unison and tight fashion to pull it off. With plenty of influence from Queensrÿche, Angel Witch, Omen and the like seeming to be worn proudly on the sleeves, is it any wonder this record is so superb? Constantly ablaze with passion and fire, this album will not only hold your full attention but leave you dying to play it again.

Blood Star have truly triumphed here. A masterful execution of tasteful, otherworldly and classic Heavy Metal that is a vibrant and exhilarating listen. Every member of the band has really put their stamp on this album with some amazing songwriting and equally impeccable musicianship. “First Sighting” stands very strong and is hopefully not the last sighting, because Blood Star are definitely one of the best Heavy Metal bands around today.