BLOOD MOUNTAIN

I really don't see this as much of a step up from Leviathan but as more of the same from the band at the same spot in their evolution. The two albums share most of the same strengths and weaknesses. With that being said, I thought Leviathan was one the best metal albums of the 21st century so it isn't really a knock against this album.

These guys are riff generating machines and fill my heart with envy. Their abundant creativity is what really makes them stand out to me. You get the feeling listening to them that they could sit down and rewrite each section with 20 other great ideas that would probably work just as well. This leads me to the biggest weakness of Blood Mountain which is a matter of refinement. Every single song on this album has parts I love but few remain absolutely solid all the way through. The issue to me is the abrasive factor in transitions and vocals (although a lot of the screaming works great).

Highlights would be 'Sleeping Giant', 'Colony of Birchmen' and 'This Mortal Soil' which I think make the most complete and resolved single tracks.

The album has all of the substance but not enough polish. If only they would address that on the next album...