Bloodbath are one of the most brutal Swedish death metal bands out there today, and they are surely one of the greatest. When I discovered them, I decided to find out a little bit more about the band. What really caught my attention was that current Opeth frontman Mikael Akerfeldt used to be in the band. I knew that Mikael was one of the best death metal vocalists, and I loved Opeth. I looked up Bloodbath's discography and found that Mikael was in their EP, Breeding Death. I gleefully made my purchase of this album, and I am very glad that I did.


BLOODBATH WERE:

Anders Nystrom: Guitars
Dan Swano: Drums
Mikael Akerfeldt: Vocals
Jonas Renkse: Backup vocals, Bass


As I mentioned before, Mikael is one of the greatest death metal vocalists ever. His vocals have much power and aggression. When "Breeding Death" begins, expect to be startled by the deep growling of Mikael. The music is quite a bit heavier than Opeth's, which some people may prefer, and some may not. Mikael holds a long, deep growl, and as it ends, the heavy music violently erupts into your ears. Every now and then, you can understand a few words that Mikael growls. Most of the time though, you will be too busy thrashing around to this brutal track on the album. Mikael starts by growling:


"Falling into your demise
Reaping death across their eyes
Born as a freak in a killing breath
Ignorance prevails, breeding death"


It is very often that Dan Swano uses the double bass pedal in "Breeding Death". The music in the song sort of has a Morbid Angel style, very heavy and fast. There are times where the music slows down to heavy chugs, but as Dan starts drumming again, things get heavier than before. Mikael occasionally changes up his vocal style by growling very deep, then raises it up to a black metal tone. When you listen to the song as a whole, it somewhat sounds like "The Undead Will Feast" by Cannibal Corpse.


"Ominous Bloodvomit" triggers with a short and quick roar by Mikael, then blasts into music that will rumble your brain (in a good way). The chorus consists of a somewhat catchy tune, as Mikael continues to rip things up with his powerful roars. I do not recommend attempting to growl as Mikael does in this song, unless you are an extremely skilled death metal vocalist. I will assure you that Mikael growls like none other, in ways that are very deep and powerful. As you listen to this to this EP, you will immediately recognize Mikael's brutal roars from those of when he is in Opeth. You will notice the backup vocals from Jonas at some points of this track. This song is probably my favorite off of this EP, and it shows Bloodbath at one of their heaviest moments.


At this point of Breeding Death, you may have already learned the brutality of the death metal band Bloodbath. If you haven't, you will know that by the time "Furnace Funeral" begins. On the beginning of all three tracks on this EP, there is a short growl performed by Mikael that fleetly transforms into pure death metal. You may notice that there aren't any guitar solos in any of the tracks, but who needs guitar solos when you can experience the extremely heavy style of Bloodbath? Plus, when you listen to this EP, you will already realize how great of a guitarist Anders is. Jonas is both a great bassist and backup vocalist, and in this track he assists Mikael with eerie screams in the background. The song slows down a little as mystical keyboards begin to play, soon followed by roars of Mikael. There are some points where you may predict that the song is over, but then you are proven wrong as the heavy music returns with no warning. The chorus is what promptly brings the album to an end.


As I finished listening to this flawless EP of Bloodbath, I felt as if I had been on a rollercoaster. If you are searching for a good death metal record, get this whenever you can. However, this may not be just the record that should introduce you to the ways of death metal. If you like bands such as Opeth, Cannibal Corpse, and Morbid Angel, you shouldn't go a day without Breeding Death. I think it is the best death metal release of 2000, and it is very likely that you will agree with me after you give Breeding Death a listen!


TRACK LISTING:

1. Breeding Death
2. Ominous Bloodvomit
3. Furnace Funeral


Recommended: Yes