Bloodlined Calligraphy

Like a lot of the bands that fall into this genre (metalcore/metallic hardcore, whatever, etc.) the emphasis while composing songs seems to be on writing the hardest, angriest, meanest riffs and breakdowns. While these elements are not bad and should actually be encouraged, they cannot be the sole foundation of a band’s songs. That’s the case with this record: each song is mean, angry, and heavy. Each song has got everything but the one necessary ingredient that makes or breaks a song - a point of memorability. These songs are tedious to get through because they all sound the same or should I say, they sound like most other songs out there floating around in this genre. The band proves that it has talent and passion but that’s just not enough to win over this writer...I need something that is memorable and sticks in my head. [Facedown] Chris Francz

This album review was originally published in the Sep/Oct Issue (#115) of HM Magazine. Order the Print Version to read tons more reviews.

Return to Album Reviews

Comments

By Cole Bratcher

One thing i've always admired about HM is thier honesty. When I bought this album it had a sticker with quotes from about six different magazines talking about how awesome the vocalist was. HM is good at going against the flow, and even though I don't always agree with them. (For example. I thought Mute Math was awesome and Horde absolutely sucked) However i'm with Chris on this one. Bloodlined Calligraphy has mad skills but not so much creativity. Bravo.

By Pat Gosson

I respect your opinion about this alubm but I highly disagree. Ally Frecnh is an incredible vocalist and the rest of the band is awesome too. This is an album I can listen to over and over again without getting tired of it. I highly reccomend it to fans of hxc. Check out the other bands of Facedown Records too.

By xmetal edgex

i think that BLC is absolutly amazing they have great vox great breakdowns, great everrything.
PS ally french is hott!!

By xmetal edgex

i think that BLC is absolutly amazing they have great vox great breakdowns, great everrything.
PS ally french is hott!!

By Eli kelly

BLC was amazing at c-stone this year.It was the first time i had seen them and i am very impressed with the vocals.......ALLY ALLY ALLY!!!!!!!!!!!

By Cole Bratcher

(Sigh) I thought this would be the response from all the hardcore kids out there. Oh well.

By Crymson_Pheonix

I really like BLC, i do, but ive got to agree with the reviewer, this album left something to be desired. i like the vocals, LOVED their earlier stuff. but this album lacks the ability to draw me back to it. Ex: agony scene's first ablum, it only leaves my home CD player for my car's CD player.

By Brian

I listened to the demo of this in the store. I was bored quite quickly, and production wasn't up to par.

By john

i'm not a hardore kid, i'm a hardcore dad and i've been a fan of BLC since i saw them a couple of years ago at CornerStone. i really liked the ep and was looking forward to the full length. granted the quotes may have been a bit hyperbolic, but i think it is a good, solid release but i am biased.

By J from the C-town

I was hardly impressed with their initial EP. Yeah, their hard. So is Symphony in Peril. I've already got The Whore's Trophy, so why should I go out and by this BLC album just because it's 'so' hard? I'm sure the breakdowns are bone-crushing...but so are Throwdown's. BLC has a lot of room for improvement--and a cute female vocalist doesn't get them any points from me, as I doubt they would want it to.

By Kyle

i thought this album was great. It is kind of generic but its done well. I see good things in their future. Everyone said Sinai Beach was the same way until they came out with immersed. and Ally is hot! lol. I think its more because of her vocals for me even though she is pretty.

By Chris Francz

This is just a boring record. People not exposed to quality hardcore will think it's great becuase they've never heard much good hardcore. Period.