In 1993, Earache Records released the debut albums from two of the greatest industrial metal side projects of all time, coincidentally both led by members of the legendary Napalm Death: Meathook Seed (Mitch Harris) and Blood From the Soul (Shane Embury). Meathook Seed would eventually release a follow-up, but for Blood From the Soul—originally just a duo of Embury and vocalist Lou Koller from Sick of it All—it was one-and-done with the flawless To Spite the Gland That Breeds, and I've been clamoring for more material from the band for over 25 years now.
So, I was completely stunned when it was revealed this week that the project is—at long last—returning with a brand new full-length!? I'll be honest, I was slightly bummed to discover that Koller is no longer present, but one cannot complain once learning that Blood From the Soul has now expanded to a full lineup that includes Converge frontman Jacob Bannon, plus Jesper Liveröd (Nasum, Burst) and Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth, Soilwork, Scarve, etc.). [Verbeuren's involvement is additionally curious due to the fact that he also rounds out the lineup of Mitch Harris' new project, Brave the Cold.]
"Debris of Dreams" is the only track out so far, and it does not disappoint. Perhaps not as openly "industrial" sounding (in large part due to the upgrade to live drums), it no doubt retains the exceptionally dirge-y and dissonant atmospheres, not to mention boasting some truly effective vocal diversity from Bannon. I'm giddily psyched, and can't wait to hear more. The 12-track DSM-5 will be out digitally on November 13. CD and vinyl won't follow until early next year. I'm of course holding out for a CD, but you can already pre-order the digital and/or a number of t-shirt designs from Deathwish Inc.
