BLEEDING

"Bleeding" was the last of their four legendary albums and actually quite a big improvement compared to the previous one. From that one they've taken over only the shorter song structures and combined them with some depth and intensity known from their great second release. This album became very dense and tight and probably the most perfect sounding one in terms of production quality. The tracks are sounding very metallic but by far less playful than on their debut and certainly there isn't anything quite on par with both of their first two releases. Anyway there isn't any weak track and the 11 songs on here are brilliant both as individual ones as well as taken in a whole. This disc is great fun to listen from its very first note until its very final tune. Of course looking at the rather short track lengths expectations concerning complexity shouldn't be that high. What we're getting here can be rather considered highly enjoyable, more sophisticated but easily accessible and quite catchy heavy metal music with some psychedelic touch. Highlights are "Morbid" combining greatly heavy guitar with piano tunes and walls of keyboard sound, "Bleeding" which slightly reminds at "A Psychotic Waltz" from their debut and the wonderful, Tull-inspired melancholic ballad "My grave". But all other tracks are very good as well, not to forget mentioning the really fantastic artwork and booklet designed by Travis Smith.

Finally I'd recommend this album as a perfect starting point for all newcomers of this legendary band and consider it an excellent addition to any prog metal collection, especially if purchased as re-release combined with "Into The Everflow" in a good value for money box set.