In This Moment: Blood review

\"Blood\"Despite losing half the band to American Idol contestant James Durbin, Maria Brink and company roar back with what may be not just their best- but heaviest album to date- in Blood. Along with the shift towards a heavier sound, the band members have adopted a new look.

Looking more like post-apocalyptic vampires instead of the band of old, they seem revitalized and hungrier than ever and the disc is again helmed by the almighty Kevin Churko. In This Moment are really coming into their own as song writers as well.

While the songs are heavier, they still maintain all the melodic elements you have come to expect and enjoy. The song writing is showing a real maturity and Maria is at the top of her game.

Transitioning seamlessly back and forth between a beautiful almost Paramore-like vocal delivery and into a guttural growl that would make Angela Gossow proud.

The disc starts with a somewhat unneeded intro that flows right into the title track and first single, “Blood,” a nice, heavy riff with an almost electronica edge.

Up next is “Adrenalize,” a slow plodding verse that goes into a pop-like chorus. “Whore” is a radio -friendly track with an infectious chorus and it’s hard to get the line “You love me for everything you hate me for” out of your head.

If someone has ever pissed you off so bad that you just wanted to get in their face and scream, then “You’re Gonna Listen” will be right up your alley. It’s one of the angriest songs In This Moment have put out.

With Brink screaming at the top of her lungs over and over “Shut Up, Shut Up, Shut Up,” “Burn” is proof that a song can be both beautiful and brutal at the same time.

The slow piano and vocal only of the verses are punctuated by the bombastic assault of the chorus that has Brink belting out the title “Burn” with a scream that would fit in on any death metal album.

Tracks like “Scarlet” and “From the Ashes” have a more commercial edge like previous releases. “Beast Within” is another track that just begs for radio airplay and “Comanche” would be right at home on any Marilyn Manson album.  By the time you reach the last track, the brooding and moody “11:11,” you’re left with just one question- ‘how long until we get another new album?’

If you were already of fan of this amazing band, then you’ll love this release. If you’re just trying these guys out for the first time this is a great place to start and you will be a fan by the end.

Rating: 9/10

-Eric Hunker