As for the sound, well, 'tis much of the same as on the debut: harsh and harsher vocals with spoken word, singing, chanting, etc.; simplistic, punishing but groovy riffs; distinctive, quasi-Thrash bass work; and neo-Hardcore drumming with great clarity. Machine (Lamb of God, Clutch, Demon Hunter, etc.) produced this sucker with a great overall effect. "Death From Above" kicks much ass and recalls mid-90s Pantera, but to claim that it sounds like "vintage Metallica fronted by Phil Anselmo" is a PR-induced misnomer. Metallica was never this catchy. "Whiskey Bent and Hellbound" also seems inspired by the Cowboys from Hell (see Reinventing the Steel), if only in a titular sense, while that album-opening Doors-vibe is again recalled, albeit peppered by a Rob Zombie- or Marilyn Manson-sounding "Hey, hey, hey!"

The term "bloodsimple" was apparently coined by hard-boiled detective novelist Dashiell Hammett in his 1929 novel, Red Harvest. "Being surrounded by murder until murder becomes in your own mind a viable solution to practically any problem." So are Tim Williams and the boys getting literary on their fans and even the unsuspecting public? Could be. Never a stranger to the stage, and sharing it with anyone from Otep to Slayer, chances are bloodsimple may be coming soon to a theater or club near you. It should be a good time for almost anyone.

written by Tony Belcher

Playing time: 45:46