Now with former Jaded Heart/Bonfire vocalist Michale Bormann onboard, Bloodbound's second album kicks off a real cracker. 'Sign Of The Dead' and The Tempter' both have some great trad metal guitar work, a polished sound. There's a nod back at the better, heavier end of late 80s metal with the harmonies, and a nod at the mid 90s European melodic metal too.

The title track is classic. 'Bless The Unholy' has a hint of Iron Maiden to the intro and an anthemic chorus. One riff definitely reminds me of 'Back In The Village'.

This album has polished and classic trad written all over it but that's no bad thing. Really enjoyable.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

Black Heart
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