Bloodbound-Unholy Cross

AFM Records
2011


Many wondered what would become of Bloodbound after lead vocalist Urban Breed left for the second time. I'm quite happy to report that new lead vocalist Patrik Johansson (Yngwie Malmsteen, Stormwind) fits right in with the bands new direction. A direction that saw them start out power metal before moving towards more of a traditional heavy metal style on 2009's Tabula Rasa. Formed in 2004 this Swedish band has been through three singers throughout their four full length albums (Urband Breed left, came back and then left again). On Unholy Cross the band sticks close to their Iron Maiden/Judas Priest/Halloween style of metal while mixing in more of an American traditional style. These 11 tracks smoke and will find a way into the hearts of not only fans of European metal but also U.S. power metal. You have to like the fact that the band has a straight forward and accessible metal sound that while flashy isn't over polished. I like where they are going with Unholy Cross and if they can only keep a steady band together they could look at making a run for the big time.