Bloodbound have only been in existence for around about three years yet they have already shed more members than the average northern Working Men’s Club in the same period. Hopefully their line-up is now settled as this, their second album is a real winner from beginning to end. In some ways this is a very modern record in that it sounds great (especially the guitars) yet in other ways there’s a distinctly old-fashioned quality in play. That may well be because of the lack of unneeded instrumental filler or probably because of the instantly hummable sing-a-long songs. Anthemic is a word that could best describe much of what is on offer here especially the opener Sign of the Devil. I first played this whilst in the bath and by the time I’d done the disc had been stolen by my elder power metal loving son, who had taken an instant liking to this song - he’s quite wise for one so young. 

One of the best things about this album is the superb performance from vocalist Michael Bormann who must rival Jeff Scott Soto as one of the busiest men in rock. I’ve seen some suggest that he’s not the man for Bloodbound, but trust me – he is! It is his vocal style that gives Bloodbound a different edge in the power metal stakes as it’s lower and raspier than most. When this is coupled with gang style choruses the effect is highly pleasing. 

Rather than do the whole track-by-track thing I thought we’d take a look at the key songs (other than Sign of the Devil). The Tempter is the first song where a distinct Iron Maiden sound is visible especially in the opening guitar work although it has the kind of catchy chorus that the Irons have long since stopped writing. 

Lord of Battle is power metal heaven and in many ways is a prime example of how to construct a song within the confines of the genre. In fact it’s almost as if the band had taken bits of Power Metal 101 and thrown them together to see what happens. Eagles and heroes get a mention, wings of glory, fight for freedom, defend the kingdom, all of these lyrical building blocks get a mention in a truly glorious song. 

Flames of Purgatory is the best Maiden song of the last twenty years. It begins with the guitars the guitars and Steve Harris type bass racing to meet the verse, which in turn leads to a chorus that tells us about a tale only dead men tell. So far, so good but for the last minute and a half the whoa ohs and guitars mix together in a way made to be performed in front of a large audience which is what the CD deserves. 

Black Heart is the only ballad on the album and what a corker it is and again features what some may well feel are chucklesome lyrics including Black Angels and a blistering yet short guitar solo. If I didn’t have time constraints I would sing the praises of all the songs on Book of the Dead as this is as the cliché goes, all killer no filler and is yet another example of why 2007 is shaping up to be a great year in metal.

Let us know your views on 'Book Of The Dead'

Track Listing

Sign Of The Devil
The Tempter
Book Of The Dead
Bless The Unholy
Lord Of Battle
Flames Of Purgatory
Into Eternity
Black Heart
Black Shadows
Turn To Stone
Seven Angels

Line Up 

Michael Bormann – Vocals
Tomas Olsson –  Guitars
Fredrik Bergh – Bass/Keyboards
Pelle Åkerlind – Drums
Henrik Olsson - Guitars