Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Bleed The Sky - Pardigm In Entropy - 2005 - Nuclear Blast

Track Listing1. Minion 2. Killtank 3. Paradigm In Entropy 4. Skin Un Skin 5. Leverage 6. The Martyr 7. Gated 8. God In The Frame 9. Division 10. Borrelia Mass

Let me just say I'm probably not the staff guy to handle this release. I try to keep my focus on the hard rock and power metal bands of the universe. However I have always been a fan of groups like In Flames, Gardenian, Shadows Fall, etc. so I thought I would give Bleed The Sky a try. Their debut album has just been released by Nuclear Blast, a label that has dominated the metal charts with a varied roster that seems to cover all regions and genres. With "Paradigm In Entropy" the label takes a shot at New Wave Of American Heavy Metal, with a young group that seems hell bent on capturing the mood and vibe of up and coming acts like Lamb Of God, God Forbid, and As I Lay Dying. Of course everyone and their mother seems to be on this band wagon, and Bleed The Sky contribute their part with an average album at best.

Formed in Orange County, California, Bleed The Sky got their start in 2003, providing a couple of demos and an opening slot for Opeth before signing a contract with Nuclear Blast. "Paradigm In Entropy" seems to have more of a nu-metal flavor than the trendy sounds of today. Their rhythms and beats are very tribal in nature, almost swaying from a solid metal foundation into the clubs of hip-hop and trance. The band is very tight when they want to be, really becoming mechanical in their delivery and sound. I can hear everything from Fear Factory and Mnemic to Sepultura and Slayer in this material, however the ear candy that I desire most just isn't here, that being the melody and leads that so many of these bands create. If you look at Shadows Fall or Killswitch Engage you can hear a good sense of melody in their mix. With Bleed The Sky it is more of a rhythm chase, with many stomp riffs and stop/start style playing. Not necessarily a bad thing, but for me I desire so much more. I need to hear arrangements and a groovy pattern with my songs, but also a good sense of atmosphere or melody. Bleed The Sky just doesn't have a whole lot of that going on.

The vocalist here (?) seems to be a hardcore guy, using a black metal screech crossed with some 'core elements. Some backing vocals here and there come off very clean, reminding me of Soilwork or Lilitu. The music itself is built on chaos, never quite breaking into any type of pattern or groove, just simply going through the motions and laying down plenty of double bass and stomp riffing. On tracks like "Minion" and "Division" the band seem to build a little bit of melody. However a majority of the record is just missing that essential piece of the puzzle. The guitars and bass seem to be of a hip-hop nature, which is understandable considering where the group comes from.

A lot of bands are doing this sort of thing and doing it much better. I'm not sure how long Bleed The Sky wants to continue on this path. Hopefully their next album will bridge the gap some and try some more experimental things. Right now the group is just bogged down by nuts and bolts, which can change once they hit the road with some of the better bands out there. Not a terrible debut by any means, but one that can be a lot better with plenty of room to improve.

--EC 04.30.05