Year : 2013 (Girder Records Limited Edition 2021)
Style : Melodic Hard Rock , Christian Heavy Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 119 mb
Info:
Bloodgood is a Christian metal band from Seattle, Washington. Originally formed in 1984 and by 1988 represented one of the four largest Christian metal bands (excluding the mainstream success Stryper) alongside Barren Cross, Whitecross, and Leviticus.Bloodgood became known for their "go-for-broke attitude about showmanship," displaying attitudes and imagery that brought them into collision with some on the extreme Christian right. In a 1998 retrospective, Christian music critic Brian Quincy Newcomb would write that "Bloodgood's ministry and music was a vital stepping stone in the maturing process of Christian rock.The band formed around the leadership of Michael Bloodgood, who had been active in the local music scene for some time. Directly prior to the formation of Bloodgood, Michael had been involved in a local effort, what he later described as "basic straight-ahead rock." That effort had disbanded by mid 1984 as Michael Bloodgood felt called to build a Christian metal band. The Seattle area at that time was known for metal bands such as TKO, Queensrÿche, and Metal Church, but Bloodgood felt a need to represent Christ to that audience, and the band was the natural way to do so.In 1985 Bloodgood released a demo, Metal Missionaries, of which they sold over 5,000 copies at concerts. Their 1986 eponymous debut was produced by Darrell Mansfield. While Bloodgood was visually similar to other metal bands at the time, it was distinguished by three elements: the vocals of Les Carlsen, the songwriting of Michael Bloodgood, and the guitar techniques of David Zaffiro.[3] The band's sound was in many ways typical of competent 1980's hair metal bands, but their lyrics were distinctly Christian. Themes often included Armageddon, hope and victory in Christ, and the Grace of living in God, with Biblical language throughout.When asked about the influence of Stryper upon the band, Michael Bloodgood told an interviewer that the band had formed before Stryper became well known, and so they were not a musical influence because they played different styles of metal.Their first major United States tour was in 1987 and was protested by groups on the extreme Christian right.[6] The band was more popular in Europe than in the United States and they toured the United Kingdom in 1988.[7] This tour featured lead vocalist Les Carlsen portraying Pontius Pilate during the song "Crucify," as well as a graphic, live-action portrayal of Christ being crucified. The band's position on theatrics, as summed up by Carlsen: "Heavy metal lends itself to visuals and drama... They come naturally from the music we write.Veterans of both the heavy metal and Christian rock scenes, Bloodgood's unique blend of music and message has amassed both a fan base that appreciates their music, as well as a body that loves God. In today's sometimes frantic and highly charged world where musicians, celebrities and public figures have new mediums and broad reach with the ability to influence thousands, if not millions, it is interesting for us as a band to see how that influence is used, or in some cases abused. Bloodgood has always led with our own unique style of hard charging heavy metal rock as our way of connecting with our fans. But very quickly, the power and impact of the message comes through. Bloodgood has stayed true to not using their influence to spread their own agenda, but instead, God's agenda."I had no idea that the Lord was going to call me into that ministry, because I was already active in another music ministry at the time. But, as the months went on, it became clear that the Lord wanted to use me to be a part of this new work. Nearly a year and a half went by before the first Bloodgood rehearsal happened. We had no idea what we were going to play, much less where. But all of us had the conviction that God had called us to do it.The band was never about trying to get a record deal and hit the "big time." The main focus of Bloodgood was always to reach the lost with the Good News of Jesus Christ. The music was the tool because of it's universal appeal, it opened the doors for us. As time went on, we retained our evangelistic message but also added music presenting a Christian worldview. Songs like Alone in Suicide and America would touch on social issues that could only be resolved through Christ. Others admonished our Christian audience, songs like Do Or Die, All Stand Together and others.We wanted the Lord to orchestrate our ministry and bring us to where He could reach the unsaved and encourage believers. And that's exactly what He did! The stacks of letters we receive, and continue to receive, of changed lives, bear witness to the anointing God put on our music. None of us in the band take credit for that. To God be the glory!"
Album:
Originally released in 2013.BLOODGOOD, one of the most respected hard rock / white metal bands from the ’80s scene, almost twenty years after disbanded, in 2013 emerged unexpectedly to release their sixth studio album, ”Dangerously Close.”You might think after so long a break the band could’ve lost some grip, but always commended by founder / bassist Michael Bloodgood and songwriter / vocalist Les Carlsen BLOODGOOD delivered one of the best albums form their career. Including Stryper guitarist Oz Fox on guitars, the album pounds out anthems with a melodic-hard feeling.BLOODGOOD is still active, and as the original press of ”Dangerously Close” has become out of print, Carlsen & Co are releasing a 2021 Limited Edition of the album, remastered (and with some songs remixed), including a previously unreleased bonus track, and new artwork.Original members Michael Bloodgood and Les Carlsen remain along with longtime drummer Kevin Whistler / guitarist Paul Jackson, added to the line up guitarist Oz Fox of Stryper fame, providing some killer solos.As usual vocalist Les Carlson gives the band their charm and charisma. Les exhibits a high but raspy vocals style that is uniquely his own. There is no mistaking Les for some other singer. His voice, phrasing and charisma are endearing.The music of “Dangerously Close” is focused on mid to latter Bloodgood period, leaning heavier melodic hard rock (one of the band’s albums was already featured on this blog, look in ‘Labels’).You’ll note the ’80s hard rockin’ inspired melodies on tunes like “Lamb of God”, the bouncy “Pray” or the darker “Man in the Middle”. Things more akin to white metal come with “Run the Race”, the groovy “In The Trenches” and “Child on Earth”. Some of these might remind longtime fans of earlier material.Then, with “Bread Alone” there’s something more heavier with melting solos and modernized harmony vocals that work very well. You get one solid, bluesy ballad with “Father Father”, however, more so with “Crush Me”, a lighter acoustically layered short number.“Dangerously Close” may very well be one of the best from Bloodgood. Of course it’s hard to overcome nostalgia. Those old 80s albums will always hold a special place, but “Dangerously Close” is a great addition to the Bloodgood catalog.And for those who have some disdain for ‘white metal’ bands and their message, let me tell you this album ROCKS; it’s full of very strong classic American Melodic Hard Rock in the traditional (late ’80s) vein of the genre.
Line-Up:
Les Carlsen – Lead Vocals
Oz Fox (Stryper) – Guitars
Paul Jackson – Guitars
Michael Bloodgood – Bass
Kevin Whisler – Drums
Production:
Co-producer [Co-Produced By] – Les Carlsen, Michael Bloodgood
Executive-Producer [Limited Edition] – Greg Hays
Mastered By [Mastering By] – David Zaffiro
Mixed By [Mixing] – Mark Simmons
Producer [Produced By] – Paul Jackson
Tracklist:
01. Lamb of God 3:24
02. Run Away 3:27
03. Child On Earth 5:30
04. I Will 3:27
05. Bread Alone 4:09
06. Pray 2:51
07. I Can Hold On 4:16
08. Run the Race 4:04
09. Father Father 4:05
10. Man in the Middle 4:09
11. Crush Me 2:51
12. In the Trenches 5:00
13. The Word (Bonus Track)
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
