Florida's Bloodlet was another band thrown the "holy terror" tag that, aside from the ties of the label (yes, there was a time when the majority of the Victory Records roster was top fucking notch), had little to nothing in common with hardcore—especially from a musical perspective. I guess I'll mention that they were also referred to as "evilcore" on numerous occasions, but I always fucking hated that term, granted this is some sinister sounding shit. But these cats were at the fucking top of their game in 1996 on their first proper full-length, "Entheogen"—unloading 10 masterful cuts in nearly 50 minutes, which was pretty damn epic given the circumstances of this particular niche.
Boasting some of the most unique vocals and lyrics of their day over winding rhythmic pulses and intricate time signatures driven by a completely badass rhythm section made up of slick as fuck fretless bass runs and jazzy percussive textures, Bloodlet was without question one of the most innovative and original acts around during the height of the 90's metalcore boom—not to mention one of the most technically proficient. Some have argued this point with me over the years, but I always found Bloodlet to be one of the single most excellent live bands out there at that time as well. They'd basically take the stage, play their entire set straight through without stopping, and disappear without uttering much of anything to the audience—other than perhaps a succinct, "We're Bloodlet."
This album is just a complete fucking classic, and one that's all too painfully underrated these days. But, man, everything about this shit was insane in 1996—the cleanliness of the recording, the atypical cover paintings (some of Aaron Turner's finest), the musicianship, and just the fucking sound of these guys. I mean, bands just didn't fucking sound like this back then, and really there's never been another band that has very directly compared to what Bloodlet created throughout their existence.
Bloodlet "Brainchild"
Bloodlet "Something Wicked"
Bloodlet "One and Only"
Perpetuate the sin of the fifth nothing is holy nothing is sacred begging the demons to surge kiss them on the mouth as the martyr is forgotten ascension through sacrilege forgotten benediction glorify embrace as all the angels in heaven weep take me away from here a man most abhorred to the gods my fists clench teeth grit I have witnessed your savior's demise I have watched you slice his throat and I have laughed bathe in infamy lust hypocrisy wretch.
Vocalist Scott Angelacos is currently in Hope and Suicide, which is probably the most known post-Bloodlet outlet, while bassist Art Legere currently explores more of an electronic/drum 'n' bass direction in a project called The Amen Brothers, and guitarist Matt Easley has a new band called Daisie Cutter.
Unlike many of these "holy terror" selections, "Entheogen" is still easy to get your hands on, so make the grab if you were unfortunate enough to have missed out on these dudes:
Comments
Definitely one of the most underrated bands that Victory ever released.
The first time I heard them, my roommate ran a small record store and got a seven inch of theirs and made me listen to it. After the first few minute or two, I made him order everything they had released so I could have it.
Seeing them live was just being bludgeoned by sheer decibels. For as scary and “evil” (for lack of a better term) they came off to be on stage, they were the nicest guys on the face of the planet.
I will say that I am digging the Hope & Suicide stuff. Granted, it’s no Bloodlet, but honestly I wouldn’t want a cheap knock off of the flagstaff band.
10.27.2006 | By eddie
I just rediscovered this album this week. I loved it when it came out and it still stands up. I think this is there best work. And I love the album art.
I saw them live twice and I have to say it was a huge letdown. I thought they were REALLY boring live. They might have been ok, but my expectations were super high.
Great recorded band though - gotta end positive.
10.27.2006 | By Twin Cities Hardcore Punk Realtor
I feel like this band was a secret that the common folk will never understand…and I’m glad. Those of us who knew are better for it.
I also feel honored to have seen them live a few times back then.
Their first album is worth a listen as well.
10.27.2006 | By Chris
this is a great album. i remember being put off by the snare drum, which is really dry. but i got over it. the duel guitar attack is split right down the middle into right and left channels, making for a wicked interplay that never gets muddled. a classic.
10.27.2006 | By berthold schwartz
YES! I’m SO glad to see this record getting some attention here. What a stellar release. This band’s entire catalog is most certainly worth owning. Holy Terror Friday is becoming my favorite day of the week.
10.27.2006 | By Devin
good band. what do you think of the seraphim fall?
10.27.2006 | By Anonymous
This cd is amazing, the sound of the drums and bass just throbs, and the duel guitar is used very effectively. There still isn’t anything like Bloodlet. CPAI-75 is one of my all time favorite songs by anyone; such a strange complex arrangement.
I loved Seraphim Fall also. It’s really grown on me over time. The variances in production, the atmospheric sounds, and the giant texts of strange lyrics: “special k kids and their infant love triangle”. This cd has its own unique vibe. Shoot the Pig was always a crowd pleaser.
What did you think of Three Humid Nights? Not the same Bloodlet, IMO it isn’t as satisfying as the two previous albums; arrangements just aren’t very complex. Kinda like an entire album of Shoot the Pig style stuff. I like this cd alot, just nowhere near as much as the previous two.
Yeah, I love your blog.
10.27.2006 | By KOSA_838
Sweet-ass. Now, I don’t think anyone ever thought of them as Holy Terror band, but may I suggest a write-up on Indecision?
10.28.2006 | By Gabriel
Manuel again… I also love “seraphim falls” and the last album… kinda different - some what people might call nu metal influences - but in my opinion still huge. Their singles are just fanatastic and are available on a cheap and easy to get Victory Records CD (“eclectic”).
Somebody told me that their drummer used to live or still lives in Berlin, Germoney, playing drums in a Rock N Roll/Punk band called Church Of Confidence…
10.29.2006 | By Hirsinger Youth
Da bomb, yo: BLOODNATION with their track on the “hamster” or was it “squirrel” compilation 7” (? I’ ll take a look later)!!! Man, those sickos should have done a whole album…
10.29.2006 | By Hirsinger Youth
Bloodnation had something to do with a squirrel comp? and i would love to hear it again.
10.29.2006 | By Anonymous
I don’t remember exactly how I found out about Bloodlet. I think I got my hands on one of their albums before Entheogen came out… before Victory. I’m guessing I read about them in the Very catalog or something. Funny how that catalog informed me of so much new music. I saw them on tour before Entheogen as well. I would guess around… Fall 1994? It was the first show of a band fronted by one of my friends, they opened for Bloodlet. I was WAY more excited to see Bloodlet.
I concur… they got on stage, played an amazing and brutal set, said “Thank You. We’re Bloodlet.†and they were done. The way they handled the crowd interaction like that… I’ll never forget that… so memorable.
The Entheogen album definitely solidified Bloodlet on my top-ten bands list for years to come. For that matter the album makes my personal “Complete Album†list… one of those records that you can listen to, in order, track for track where each one depends on the other to make it a total music experience
10.31.2006 | By Heaven03
This albums is so incredibly underrated and evil as shit.
When I was about 14 yrs old I got the Victory Style 2 compilation and listened to the song Eucharist over and over again (I guess this is the only release that contains this version of the song, as another version is on the Husk 7”). When I came across the red vinyl version at an Earth Crisis show I bought it without hesitation and Bloodlet has been one of my favourite 90’s bands ever since. The Seraphim Falls and Three humid nights… I like a lot, but the old material is their best.
One of my most prized possessions is this t-shirt; http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M2cfrX-qTqM/S-1qGrACiRI/AAAAAAAACPw/ajrll1Ebtqc/s1600/DSC06970.JPG
5.11.2011 | By Willem
ENTHEOGEN is the disc of dark ages to come. I dont give this music a genre defintion. Theyre beyond that. I would not recommend listening to entheogen while waiting for a bus, plane.train. I was the other night, and I ended up blowing up on people, not good.I need to control my anger,rage, but I cant stop listening to Bloodlet, its an addiction without the addiction!
12.20.2012 | By Jared
sounds like the music demons would play. They truly sound inhuman. Way more evil sounding than any black or death metal band.
7.7.2014 | By killer bee's