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The Gauntlet: 3 Inches of Blood |
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3 Inches of Blood Album Review
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Tracklist
1. Through the Horned Gate
2. Night Marauders
3. The Goatriders Horde
4. Trial of Champions
5. God of the Cold White Silence
6. Forest King
7. Demon's Blade
8. The Great Hall of Feasting
9. Infinite Legions
10. Assassins of the Light
11. Black Spire
12. The Hydra's Teeth
13. Rejoice in the Fire of Man's Demise
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On this third full-length album from 3 Inches Of Blood, the band has developed into a metal juggernaut. “Fire Up The Blades” has all the elements that make a metal album great – from its incendiary dueling vocal acrobatics to the irresistibly headbangable riffing to overpoweringly convincing song crafting, this is everything metalheads are looking for and so much more.
Musically, 3IOB has upped the tempo in its songwriting and this change was exactly the kick in the ass the band’s music needed in order to rise above the swarming masses of metal contenders out there in today’s scene. From the moment “Night Marauders” kicks in with a mighty chugging rhythm, you’ll have the sense that you’re listening to a metal record that’s very extraordinary. The way in which 3 Inches incorporates traditional metal structures in conjunction with thrash metal sensibilities is very straightforward and brutally effective. Credit an extremely competent job of production to the keen ear of Joey Jordison. Being a drummer himself, the Slipknot icon brings an explosive drum sound to the fore that drives tracks like “The Goatriders Horde” and “Infinite Leigons” with a commanding, thunderous roar.
As Cam Pipes shatters eardrums with his wicked falsetto attack, Jamie Hooper provides an extreme counterpoint with rabid, black metal growling during the mind-battering “God Of The Cold White Silence.” Dual vocalists are generally a sticking point for those bands that choose to utilize this approach, but in the case of 3 Inches Of Blood, the twin role proves to be most formidable. With such contrasting styles, the performance of the two singers emboldens killer cuts such as “Black Spire” and “Forest King,” giving the band’s crushing sound personality as well as power.
Massive are the guitar tones of Justin Hagberg and Shane Clark. The steely licks and forceful riffing displayed by the tandem of axe-handlers indeed reminds the listener of a well-honed piece of steel. Slicing through the mix like a barbarian’s sword and certain to inflict life-ending wounds, the metal attack of the two is purely relentless over the course of “Fire Up The Blades.” Coupled with the roaring bottom end laid down by Nick Cates and the persistent hammering of Alexei Rodriguez, 3 Inches dominates the true heavy metal sound as have few acts in recent memory.
Doubtlessly, this album will score well on the year-end top lists of many. For many lovers of traditional metal, this record will end up as being a favorite of 2007 as 3 Inches Of Blood has proven their worth as metal warriors of the highest order. Brace yourself for the unforgiving intensity that is “Fire Up The Blades,” if you consider yourself any knid of fan of heavy metal, this is one album you can't afford to miss.
Review by: E.F.
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