Bloodbound have a few great albums in their arsenal, but when you call your new album ‘In the Name of Metal’, you better hope it lives up to the name with such a bold statement. Thankfully, I am happy to report that is does!

The title track starts this majestic release which is really more suited for metal fans camaraderie than the current “Wacken Anthem” doing the rounds and you are further invited to “sing for M-E-T-A-L” during ‘Metalheads Unite’. Both are genuine classic metal anthems with powerful vocals, in fact speaking of the vocals I feel Patrik Johansson (Dawn of Silence) is a remarkable addition to Bloodbound’s ranks. The previous vocalist was a great front man too, but in between the last but one album with Urban Breed and this one, Johansson has brought something different to the band. Bloodbound seem more comfortable, and I hate to say this cliché, but more “mature”. There is evidence of great confidence and the band simply doesn’t follow the stereotypical power metal formula. There are tracks like ‘Mr Darkness’ that has a Bruce Dickinson/’Accident of Birth’ feel to it and thus presents a more classic heavy metal stance than the power metal tag once associated with these Swedes. More earthy metal numbers appear with ‘Black Devil’ that could even have some Skid Row fans taking note, you see, there is more variation, more flavour on this album. I do commend the song writing because it is very difficult to deny the retain ability of the songs, the melody flows through your mind and retains all the good bits, mind you, I cannot find any bad bits on this album.

“Metalheads unite, march into the night” pretty much sums up this release, Bloodbound have improved immensely from my last experience with them and ‘In The Name of Metal’ should be spinning on most peoples sound systems in the future if all is right in the world. Bringing forth brotherhood in fans, bringing forward effortless melodies and sweeping infectious guitar passages, ‘In the Name of Metal’ justifies its title, this is a mighty fine release.

(8.5/10 Paul Maddison)

www.bloodbound.se