Bloodstain hails from Sweden, and we all know the pedigree of Swedish heavy metal. From Opeth, Bathory, Candlemass,Meshugga, Amon Amarth, Sabaton, Ghost, and of course, Europe, Sweden has produced some of the finest metal bands on the planet.

Where does Bloodstain fit in? Well, let me tell you, I was very impressed with this, their self – titled debut LP. The band formed in Stockholm in 2023, and have quickly built a solid reputation as a band to watch. They are unfeasibly young to be such superb musicians, I guess that’s the YouTube generation….

The album boasts crystal clear production, heavy (but catchy) songs, amazing musicianship and great cover artwork. Opening track – ‘Annihilation Line’ is a fantastic introduction to Bloodstain. Big riffs, an earworm of a chorus, and some superb guitar work from Oskar Lindroos and Tobias Lindström. ‘Something Sinister’ has a Megadeth feel to it, stabbing riffs, thundering bass courtesy of Jonathan Thyberg make this a real standout track, brilliant stuff.

I Am Death kicks off in blistering style, and some lovely double bass drum flurries from Benjamin Norgren really elevate the track. Carved Into Stone is the big power ballad on the album, it reminds me of classic White Lion, and that’s certainly no bad thing. ‘Taint Me’ is another heads-down, headbanger. Did drummer Benjamin Norgren just throw in Dave Lombardo’s classic double bass part from Slayer’s ‘Angel of Death’?? Possibly… Either way, it sounds great.

Disdained again showcases the band’s mastery of their instruments. EPIC! Lies Bleeding Through takes us down a thrashy route, chugging riffs, staccato double kick drums… Oh yes! Conspiracy takes the foot off the pedal slightly and takes us down a more hair metal path. Faceless Dealer reminds me of classic Annihilator, heavy as fuck, intricate rhythms and some off-the-charts guitar work.

The album closes with ‘Banner of Supremacy’, which is my favourite track on the LP. Think ‘Master of Puppets’ era Metallica…yes, it really is that good. Bloodstain are ready to join the ranks with their other Swedish metal brethren.

I absolutely loved this LP. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy when it’s released in September. Remember the name Bloodstain… they are going to be huge!

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Author: Kenny Kendrick