“Suffer. Bleed. Burn.”
Bodysnatcher and breakdowns. In their fourth studio album, they are claiming that throne, showing that the term “breakdown” is synonymous with who they are. In this absolutely visceral, disgustingly heavy 42-minute record, Bleed-Abide could prove to be a staple in the beatdown/deathcore world. However, it still definitely has its faults and cracks that do become apparent. Will its flaws be diminished by its brutality?
With the introduction of its title tracks “Bleed” and “Abide”, off the bat, the two should be coalesced into one unit. The way the former flows into the latter through its pacing is something that should be noted. “Bleed” starts off softly, easing the listener in as it builds up, while “Abide” is seeing it bloom into fruition. It tells its own mini-story, in its tame fashion (comparatively to the rest of the record). Not too intrusive, well cultivated.
First released single “Absolved of the Strings and Ston” fronts some decently nice chops and grooves, showing some merit and potential. It has its moments of catchiness. However, it gets lost in its disorienting nature. Groove is disillusioned to breakdowns, and breakdowns are overshadowed by even sludgier ones.
“Smashed Perception” (bar “Bleed”) holds itself as the track with the shortest runtime. Even with its length shying 2:26, it contains the strongest lyrical passages within the album. “Anyone who does this to their family doesn’t deserve to be a cry out for a viper in the grass.” A short, sweet, heavy, eviscerating track with fairly nice lyricism. Brutality is aptly inserted in this track, making for an enjoyable listen. Disgusting.
“Flatline” could potentially be one of the most contained tracks put on display for Bleed-Abide. Boasting the least BPM (breakdowns per minute), it still manifests its heaviness, being the first on the record to unleash ferocious pig squeals. Even with its beatdown elements overtaking its loose structure, its fairly digestible as it is not completely unpredictable. You can anticipate the muted chugs, the pre-breakdown, and I feel that aids with the listening experience.
With “Glass Prison”, cracks begin to show in the record. Fronting lyrically weak content and awkward structure, it feels misplaced in context. “Glass prison you’ve created a black hole.” Personally, I am simply not a fan of the lyricism and feel it to be lacking and somewhat cliché. Sonically, there are a plethora of moments where it is simply too slow and empty. It almost feels like there’s nothing to take in. I would say this is the weakest point in the album.
In direct comparison with the previous shown track, “Value Through Suffering” displays a complete opposite reaction. It allows itself to flourish with proper song writing, not creating anything too visceral or disorienting. Working well in tangent with its neat structure, it creates opportunities for its sonic elements to shine as well. Its diverse nature allows it to flow, from its clean opener to the hard hitting, rustic deathcore that is built upon shortly. Big fan of what they’ve produced here, and wish more of the album highlighted these elements.
Just like with “Glass Prison”, “Chaos” stands as an anomaly as well. Acting as a weird bridge in the album, it unnecessarily utilizes an ambient intro that feels lost as it explodes into possibly the heaviest breakdown on the record. It formulates absolute annihilation, but it is completely out of left field. “Chaos” is quite literally one third ambience, two thirds of instrumental slaughtering, all melded into a pot to seek and destroy. It’s a confusing experience to listen through, but can’t say I didn’t enjoy it.
Second released single “E.D.A.” follows suit in a different manner, presenting itself closer towards deathcore rather than beatdown. Percussively driven, it flourishes in its fills and chops, not being used excessively. Its drum work shines heavily here, being my highlight for what brings this track together into what it is.
Third released single “Wired For Destruction” holds itself in a very interesting way. Its pacing varies from high octane and energetic, before drastically slowing down and immediately building back up again. Layered guitars in the background make for nice melodies at moments. However, the structure is definitely questionable at moments, as following along is a constant back and forth of riffage and breakdown.
Personal standout “Hollow Shell” shows how brutal and eviscerating Bodysnatcher can be. Being the only track to make use of a dark, evoking monologue into a disgustingly heavy breakdown, this is by far the most impactful track Bodysnatcher has displayed on the record. “How can you live with what you are and what you’re doing; forcing your own mother into the dark, festering and rotting away with you. How many excuses does it fucking take? It makes me fucking sick. Just a hollow shell. A waste of life. A waste of time. But yet, all you’ve done is make your mother a prisoner in her own fucking home.” “Hollow Shell” is a decimating experience, obliterating every other track both in instrumentals and lyrics.
Fourth and final released single “Behind the Crowd” is an interesting paradigm. Its tempo is vastly different from anything else displayed on the album, holding closer to its slowed, beatdown roots. Littering various breakdowns through its 3:14 lifespan, it’s safe to say it is decently heavy. There’s really not much else to say, other than that if you love breakdowns, you will love what is being fore-fronted here.
Closer “The Question” wraps itself in a nice bow, containing the cleanest composition. Placed properly at the end of Bleed-Abide, it is a nice way to end off what has been 42 minutes of an aggressive onslaught. Sitting slightly over 5 minutes, its pacing eases the listener into what feels like a resolute ending, making use of a faded outro. It still maintains the heaviness that is desired from the genre, while closing itself off neatly. Decent track, no complaints.
Overall, Bleed-Abide in its entirety is a record that isn’t too diverse. It’s a relentless 42-minute experience that holds no boundaries to how heavy it can get. With that, its lack of variety leads to its very low replay value, as its runtime feels blended into one cohesive track. If you’re looking for straight-forward, heavy deathcore, this is definitely an album to keep on your radar. However, if you’re looking for an intricate experience with all the nuances, you will not find that here.
Bleed-Abide releases on April 22nd via eOne Music. You can pre-order the record here.
7/10