Bloodsimple features ex-
Vision of Disorder members
Tim Williams (vocals) and
Mike Kennedy (guitar).
Cruel World, the band's debut, is also the first release from
Mudvayne frontman
Chad Grey's Bullygoat imprint (via Warner).
Mudvayne's sound is definitely a reference point for
Bloodsimple, as is later
VOD. As heavy as much of
Cruel World hits -- the killer opener "Straight to Hate," "Blood In Blood Out"'s updated thrash swagger -- it also makes room for things like "Running from Nothing," which links curse words and screaming with atmospheric, even melodic singing. In this way it's a pretty typical 2000s alternative metal record. The rhythm section stops and starts with
Tool precision, the guitars are mixed to maximum thickness, and
Williams tears at his soul with lyrics about insanity, broken teeth, and waging war on the weak.
Williams is certainly committed to his rage -- "Path to Prevail" begins with a banshee howl to wake the dead. It's
Cruel World's strongest track, since its lead riff has enough room for melody without losing that viciously rewarding edge. The breaks suggest
Disturbed, the drums pound like armies marching out of hell, and "You're full of shit/I vow now to return/I've already been your God" is a chorus tailor-made for destroying Playstation opponents. ~ Johnny Loftus