Winds of Plague's explorative and symphonic take on hardcore-infused death metal gave the band a distinctive identity while they cut their teeth in southern California's famous heavy music scene over 15 years ago. Blood of My Enemy is equally theatrical as their prior releases, marinated in the sonic embodiment of a horror film.
Tastefully stitching together aggressive metalcore with accented keyboard arrangements and progressive elements, "Nameless Walker" and first single "Never Alone" emphasize plainly that Winds of Plague wanted Blood of My Enemy to appeal to a wider listening demographic. It's as though Children of Bodom took a shot at a Hatebreed cover; while it's entertaining to hear, long-time listeners might be fazed by the group's new developments.
Fans shouldn't fear though, as the latter half of the Blood of My Enemy finds compromise between new and old sounds. "Soul Eater" is a shameless nod to death metal, while the title track welcomes a melodic chorus from new keyboardist Adrienne Cowan. It's undoubtedly one of the album's highlights. Frontman Johnny Plague's vocal performance tip-toes into Slipknot territory on "5150" and its neighbouring tracks, and the band conclude vehemently with "Dark Waters." Winds of Plague have been around for almost two decades, but the last 30 seconds of that song might be the heaviest piece of their entire catalogue.
(eOne/Good Fight)Tastefully stitching together aggressive metalcore with accented keyboard arrangements and progressive elements, "Nameless Walker" and first single "Never Alone" emphasize plainly that Winds of Plague wanted Blood of My Enemy to appeal to a wider listening demographic. It's as though Children of Bodom took a shot at a Hatebreed cover; while it's entertaining to hear, long-time listeners might be fazed by the group's new developments.
Fans shouldn't fear though, as the latter half of the Blood of My Enemy finds compromise between new and old sounds. "Soul Eater" is a shameless nod to death metal, while the title track welcomes a melodic chorus from new keyboardist Adrienne Cowan. It's undoubtedly one of the album's highlights. Frontman Johnny Plague's vocal performance tip-toes into Slipknot territory on "5150" and its neighbouring tracks, and the band conclude vehemently with "Dark Waters." Winds of Plague have been around for almost two decades, but the last 30 seconds of that song might be the heaviest piece of their entire catalogue.
