Blood Stands StillVictorville, CA's Blood Stands Still have been a group since 1999. And in those seven years they have released 3 demos, an EP (The Thrill And The Agony), a split with Egotrip as well as a 4-way split titled "Four Scenes, One Family" and a self released full length (Create Only To Destroy). Also, they are a band that plays out extensively, going on many regional tours.
Mid-paced rhythms and jarring breakdowns are the theme of the album musically. Though every now and then they'll throw you speed up verse here and there. The first 10 second breakdown in the fifth track "Bought and Sold" sounded almost identical to the one in "The Last Time" only with the second one being a little more drawn out. Now I know breakdowns are going to sound similar but in this instance it was a little too much. But even so, the music becomes too familiar too fast and not in a good way. Thankfully the band doesn't drag out any of the tracks, for the most part the tracks lay around the 1:30-2:15 range.
The lyrics are pretty positive, yet have dark undertones very similar to Hatebreed. Mainly the songs deal with "Rise(ing) Back Up", having "Strength Within", and being "Unbroken", and last but not least, always having "Something To Live For".
This album was recorded and produced by the band itself at its own compound dubbed The Pitbull Farm. Well, they must have put themselves together a nice studio because this thing sounds solid as hell. The guitar tone has plenty of crunch. The bass is present, it sounds solid but I could've done with just a tad less treble. The drums are solid, the bass drum sounds dense and heavy, the cymbals, snares, etc., sound good. Vocals were ideally placed in the mix, fulling utilizes the vocalist's voice.
This one sports a slick gold and silver metallic ink layout. It's pretty fitting for the title of album, it depicts the band as a super hero taking over the world, illustrated by the Blood Stands Still logo put over the hero. The booklet throws you for a loop, instead of housing the lyrics, the booklet displays a picture of each member on each page. For the convenience of the listener, half of the lyrics are displayed on the back of the booklet with the other half a mere page flip away.
Rating: 3/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: The Last Time and Long Time Coming
Thesis: These songs were definitely written for the live setting so the material doesn't come off as well. Everything about this band is pretty average, it's not bad but everything on here has been done and done better. I'm sure after seeing these guys love you'll have no problems shelling out the cash though.