Description
The self-titled major label debut album by the American hard rock/metal band Bloodgood was released on Frontline Records in April 1986, distributed by The Benson Company. The album was recorded by Doug Doyle at 3-D Studios in Costa Mesa, California; with Darrell Mansfield producing.
The band features Les Carlsen on lead vocals (a former member of Sticker), David Zaffiro on guitar, and a rhythm section consisting of Michael Bloodgood on bass (a former member of Cypress) and J.T. Taylor on drums. (Both Zaffiro and Taylor were former members of the Crystal City Rockers.)
Girder Music Promo, 2020
1986 was an iconic year for Christian metal. We saw future Hall-of-Fame releases by some bands we already knew – Leviticus (Strongest Power), Saint (Times End), and Messiah Prophet (Master of the Metal). But 1986 also offered several critically acclaimed debut releases from bands that would go on to define the epitome of Christian metal in the decades to follow – Bride (Show No Mercy), Barren Cross (Rock For the King), and last but not least, the debut self-titled album from the theatrical U.S. band out of the state of Washington with a peculiar name, and a sound that hit all the right notes for metalheads desperate for MORE white metal – BLOODGOOD!
Bloodgood was way ahead of their time, and rivaled W.A.S.P. in sheer heaviness and deadly riffs, while boasting a game-changing lead singer in Les Carlson whose voice immediately cemented them in the serious-contender category. The 1986 debut release created a metallic aura that set new standards for both the quality and authenticity of Christian metal. These guys weren’t sacrificing their metal edge, even with a passionate Christian message. There’s nothing fake to be had here; with lyrics that range from being lost in a perpetual nighttime of sin, killing the black snake of the devil, and setting demons on the run.
Some might call «Stand In the Light» the lyrical crown jewel of the album. The words might seem “un-metal” on paper, but they are absolutely ripped out by Carlsen with such force that they’re guaranteed to bring out the fist-pumps, if not the Dio horns.
“Does a child cry? Does the world turn around? Does a fire burn? Is the earth also ground? This we’ve learned, but what have we found? Does a snowflake fall? And in fall does a tree drop its leaves? Does water freeze?”
Even the album cover is stunning in its simplicity: a barbed wire logo and thick drops of blood shooting upwards and practically hanging in the air. No Christian album had ever been more visually bold. The first five songs on this album («Accept the Lamb», «Stand in the Light», – listen to Michael Bloodgood kill the bass work on SITL – «Demon on the Run», «Anguish and Pain», and «Awake!») are absolute rockers, and we rank them with anything that Accept, W.A.S.P., Twisted Sister, or KISS did in the same time period. If it’s possible to make a metal ballad out of losing your soul, then “What’s Following the Grave” is it; detailing a low-tone fret work, gloomy but inspiring vocals, and a chorus that is jaw-dropping in its time change. You want legitimate, bring-the-roof-down show-closers? Listen to «Killing The Beast», «You Lose», and the lightning strike that’s «Black Snake». This remains one metal album that was made for decades of repeated listens. The bottom line for the music fan is simple. This is metal at its finest. Let your ears be the judge. The 2019 Retroactive Records Legends Remastered edition is THE definitive reissue of this classic album – finally getting it right with a 12 page booklet (jewel case) featuring lyrics and rare band photos, digitally remastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound! This reissue enhances the pure magic of the original and makes it shine even brighter, making it a necessary re-purchase even if you already own it. Trust us – you’ll be glad you did!
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/bloodgood-remastered/555484160)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Accept The Lamb” – 3:47
A2. “Stand In The Light” – 3:41
A3. “Demon On The Run” – 3:56
A4. “Anguish And Pain” – 3:02
A5. “Awake” – 4:10
Side Two
B1. “Soldier Of Peace” – 3:15
B2. “You Lose” – 2:53
B3. “What’s Following The Grave” – 5:00
B4. “Killing The Beast” – 4:41
B5. “Black Snake” – 2:53
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Frontline Records.
Bloodgood’s first two albums were remastered and re-issued on vinyl in 2021 by Limited Run Vinyl. Remastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound and re-issued by Girder Music (through Limited Run Music/Limited Run Vinyl) in April 2020 on both CD and 12-inch vinyl LP featuring Gatefold Jacket (200 units pressed on Red Vinyl with Black Splatter).
Electric Jesus (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture) 2021
August 24, 2022. A Tribute to: Ted Kirkpatrick/Tourniquet, Michael Bloodgood/BLOODGOOD and a look back at the 80’s/90’s Punk Rock and Metal Scene with Jimmy Brown & Manny Morales of Deliverance and Allan R. Aguirre of Scaterd Few with our Sound Off Crew.
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