Bionic
Black Blood
By Keith Carman

While there have been few changes in the Bionic camp since the sonic might of 2002’s Deliverance, as Black Blood proves, this isn’t the same collection of freakish Montrealers. Where the band’s sophomore release was a hybrid of metallic thunder, gritty pop and the occasional muddy dirge, they’ve stripped away any semblance of polish to make this the ultimate rat rod of a rock record. The perfect balance between progressive metal and ballsy punk rock’n’roll, each song features just enough nuances to make the air guitarist in everyone freak out and wonder how the fuck they pulled it off while the straight-forward grooves and headbangin’ low-end ensure that you’re not too busy counting bars before the next interlude. Singer/guitarist Jonathan Cummins easily has the best rock’n’roll scream this side of Bruce Dickinson, and when backed by the muscular, monstrous choruses of “Learn To Love The Government,” “I Got Skin” and “Theme For A Young Lion,” he’s able to let it bellow like the blast of oxidised metal it is. It’s exciting to hear a band revel in their own technical brilliance yet still put something onto the table that will clearly jump off, kick you in the short and curlies and throw the most demonic horns in the process. (Signed By Force, www.signedbyforce.com)

Black Blood has actually been completed for a while. Why the long wait to release it?
Guitarist/vocalist Jonathan Cummins: After being together for as long as we have, we took a much-needed hiatus to get a better perspective on why we are in the band. We’re now finished our busman`s holiday and really cherish what we have. In our case, distance did make the heart grow fonder.

The band have shifted sonically, becoming more progressive and heavier. Agree?
With this record we consciously wanted it to stand up and make a statement. The band really listen to a lot of varied styles so we have to consciously pull back the reins every now and again to let the record find its focus. Being “heavy” has never been much of a goal for us.

What sort of imprint will a monstrous effort like this leave on Canadian rock/punk/metal?
At this stage in the game, if we had any sort of expectations we would’ve broken up a long time ago. We are a hard sell; we don’t ride on the coattails of an existing genre du jour. Looking at the current state of Canadian independent music, we’re surely doomed for commercial failure. As long as current celebrated Canadian bands continue to rehash Smiths and Gang of Four riffs, I consider it a badge of honour for Bionic not to be included in their club. In my not so humble opinion, these bands aren’t even fit to shine No Means No`s boots, although [some bands] really challenge the existing order and are changing the conception of Canadian indie rock. (Signed By Force)
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