Reviewed by Ian Webber

Although new boys on the Strike First roster, this four-piece from Birmingham, Alabama bring some experience to the table having had one previous release when known as Aim For The Day. This recording should help to further raise their profile. Serving up a straightforward offering of hardcore riffs with a touch of punk thrown in, Nothing Til Blood hit you full in the face with pounding drums and angry riffing. Lacking subtlety or sophistication, the vicious opener "Toe To Toe" gives you a good idea of what this band offers. Personally I would have liked to see a little more variation as the album progressed and found Amadeus Pryor's fire-spitting vocals at times a little scratchy. There were highlights though; including the breakdown laden "Tragedies" and the stirring "Rise Up". What excited me most about this recording, however, was not so much any musicianship or song craft, but the genuine energy and passion communicated by the band. Describing their style as "Spirit-filled hardcore" there are some passionate prayers spoken over the barrage of breakdowns and gang shouts. The closing acoustic track could also find its way into some worship services. Whilst not yet a finished package as their music is still a tad formulaic, this is one band worth looking out for in the future.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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