Beyond The Flesh
(self-financed)
42:18min
The intro ‘Suite Argentum’ gives you a good hint where this band is from: Argentina. After this, ‘To The End’ unleashes some technical Death Metal. Although this isn’t my favorite genre – some elements that usually turn me off are present here – "Beyond The Flesh" is full of either elements that make this a very good debut. BLOOD DRESS is formed in 2007 and so far they released two demos "A Great Sign" from 2007 and a year later "A Great Sign 2008". Guitarist Gustavo Rodriguez might be know from ELYON, KEYMAKER and BOANERGES. All Christian bands, so maybe the lyrical themes of "Beyond The Flesh" can be found in that same direction. The musicianship is excellent and the production is clear and heavy. The main attention goes to the guitars, a very good job done by Gustavo Rodriguez and Israel Ferreyra. Most of the riffing is pretty typical for its genre, but in some tracks (‘Sent To Excile’ and ‘Before You Close Your Eyes’) it stands out and was able to raise the attention. Vocals are mainly low with some peaks, like the clean parts in ‘Will I Die’. Drummer Brian Benitz does a good job as well and especially in the song ‘Blood Dress’ he claims attention in a positive way. "Beyond The Flesh" is a good listen, although in the end everything starts to sound the same. It feels spontaneous and easy to digest, since it’s not trying to be heavier than necessary. Also they don’t want to show off with their technical capacity. Some arrangements sound both technical and catchy, which give a real solid result in the end. Imagine a better and more poppy version of CANNIBAL CORPSE "The Bleeding" mixed with elements from NECROPHAGIST ("Onset Of Putrefaction") and even some YNGWIE MALMSTEEN. Considering this is a self released debut, BLOOD DRESS is a band that’s waiting to be discovered and that all lovers of technical Death Metal should keep an eye on. At first I wasn’t too enthusiastic about "Beyond The Flesh", but a few proper listens afterwards revealed the quality in songwriting (and a second opinion), made me eventually edit the original review, because this album deserves more credit. Check for yourself on www.facebook.com/blooddress, http://blooddress.bandcamp.com or www.myspace.com/bloodingdeathmetal.
Michael Tak