Bloodbath – The Arrow Of Satan Is Drawn

Bloodbath

The Arrow Of Satan Is Drawn

by Brian “Metal” Morton at 22 November 2018, 3:48 PM

The band who needs no introduction BLOODBATH have released their newest album “The Arrow of Satan is Drawn”.  This is their fifth full length release since their formation in 1998 and second with Nathan Holmes. The band has had several members come and go such as Mikael Akerfeldt, Dan Swano, Peter Tagtgren and Per Eriksson since it’s inception. The Death Metal super group has been a force to be reckoned with since the release of “Resurrection Through Carnage” which is to this day one of the best Death Metal records of all time. With members spanning from OPETH and KATATONIA to HYPOCRISY and PARADISE LOST, how can you go wrong?

The first song to catch my ear was the first track “Fleischmann” which completely brings back all the memories of past albums. The guitars played by Anders Nystrom and Joakim Karlsson are on point and still have that unique BLOODBATH sound. I will say this, I am still getting used to Nathan Holmes performing the vocals for the band. He is a wonderful Death Metal vocalist, but I was so used to the deeper gutterals from the past, that it was a shock to me when I first heard them on “Grand Morbid Funeral”.

The next song I really like is “Wayward Samaritan”. Martin Axenrot’s Drum work on this one are immaculate. I also really enjoyed Nick’s vocals on the song. And the slight breakdown at the end was truly a great addition to the track. “Levitator” is one of the most brutal BLOODBATH songs I have ever heard, that song alone gets a ten out of ten. From the beginning to end it’s non stop in your face and I love it.

Another song that really caught my attention was “March of the Crucifiers”. One thing I really appreciated was that you could hear Jonas Renkse on Bass. The song also gives off an old school BLOODBATH vibe. The Guitar solo is magnificent as well and really helped the song come together. “Morbid Antichrist” is also beautiful in it’s sheer brutality. This song will make you want to tear your face off and then give it to Satan as an offering. If a Death Metal song could be called sexy this would be it. The final song “Chainsaw Lullaby” is the epitome of great Death Metal. The lyrics are fucking amazing. This song really tied the album together and brought it to a fantastic ending. Great job guys!

Songwriting: 10
Memorability: 8
Originality: 8
Production: 10