A couple of years ago, a groove metal band from the Los Angeles area named Soulbleed got a hold of my blog and asked if I would want to review their recently released eponymous LP. I always enjoyed getting requests so I agreed, and was really happy I did. I got to know some of the most genuine metalheads I’ve ever met who are working their butts off to get their name and their music known all across the seven seas. Soulbleed, for a couple of years now, have always been at the top of my underground list.
"Drenched In Sorrow" Music Video
As I said before, Soulbleed is groove metal band from the LA area. Their influences are rooted in bands like Pantera, Lamb of God, and Devildriver, which is extremely apparent all throughout their album. And they do the genre to complete justice. It’s got a great blend of thrash-like double picking rhythms, slower sections meant to really get your head banging, and breakdowns that are so gang-vocal inducing you might have to cup your mouth closed. Really nothing different from other groove metal bands, but done just so incredibly well that is just has to be addressed.
Guitarist Steve Marshall plays some seriously tasty riffs throughout their album on songs like “Mindless.” Actually, “Mindless” is my favorite track on their album, and it’s all because of that opening riff. It just commands you to bang your head. Elaina Bangma is right there on the bass with Marshall. Her presence isn’t just shoved to the back of the sound like some other mixes, and can even be heard clearly during Marshall’s solo sections as she stands alone. It’s really rare you hear guitar solos without a doubled guitar track over it for consistency, but this really allows the band to showcase both the guitar and the bass at the same time. Jimmy Schultz heads up the drums as the perfect compliment to the riffs. “Bed Of Nails” is a great example of how perfect his drumming is for Soulbleed. Tons of double bass, lots of tasteful fills, and it just has the perfect balance of being balls-out metal, and straight-up musical. And of course, vocalist David Rubenhold leads the troop with aggression and force in vocals. It’s the cherry on top to perfect harmony of Soulbleed.
Soulbleed is doing everything that a band on the underground should be doing. They self produced their first album, (and is actually currently working on a new one), they gig frequently at known LA hotspots, merchandize, and they actively try to get their name out there, as my aforementioned story proves as well. Basically, their dedication is very clear, and very admirable. And most importantly, it shows in their music as well. From the first listen, their music just sounds very genuine. It’s nothing outside the box or paving new ground, you can just tell they’re playing with all they have inside. They’re not concerned with any gimmicks or shock or anything else other than playing some heavy metal, and that’s what I love most about them.
I could go on more and more about how much respect I have for this band, and how much I would love for their name to get out there, but then you’d get tired of me and just get on me for kissing up. But in this case, I actually have a little bit of assistance. Some of you are probably familiar with the metal YouTube vlogger “Infidelamsterdam”, and if you are, then you probably already know who Soulbleed is. Soulbleed reached out to him and he dedicated an entire video to them and their LP. And he puts it very clear: Soulbleed is just amazing groovy heavy metal.
Starts around 7:22
Bottom line, if you’re into groove metal or the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, then you need to be listening to Soulbleed. And if you live in the LA area, you need to be on the lookout for their next show and check them out. And if you like what you’ve heard in this article, then check out these links below.
YouTube – You can check out their entire album here, and catch their updates on their new album coming soon.
