Chilean rockers, Half Blood, have just released their self titled debut album. Half Blood hit the stores on August 31. Created by Manuel Castillo and Pablo Abatte in 2014, they definitely have created a sound that will be much-loved by the masses. This album was produced by Logan Mader, who also worked with Gojira and Fear Factory. With influences from Slipknot and Sepultura, they have formed a unique sound that hits heavy right into your ear drums.
Half Blood is:
Manuel Castillo – Vocals
Sebastian Aguilera – Guitar
Pablo Abatte – Drums
Ismael Gutierrez – Guitar
Francisco Arevalo – Bass
The first listen to this album was really impressive. They form an energy early on in the first couple tracks and it doesn’t really die down. There are heavy beats, killer guitar and great bass. Along with vocals that at times are reminiscent of Corey Taylor. The listener will find that the blend of Spanish language with English is rather exciting. They variations between the songs break away from the monotony that is often found in today’s music.
Half Blood:
1: Adamas
2: Self Exile
3: Crisis
4: The Choice
5: El Origen
6: Forever
7: No Future
8: Not Your Own
9: Release
10: G.T.F.O.
The opening of this album is “Adamas.” It sets a tone for the album. It’s fast, loud and heavy. Gutteral vocals from Manuel and heavy beats on the drums from Ismael bring it out to a killer song. This would be an amazing live opener. It lets the listener know what they have in store through the rest of the album.
Track 3, “Crisis,” is the first all Spanish song on the album. One could see the listener wanting to know what he is singing about. There is a rawness to it that could remind one of Brazilian metal from Sepultura.
“The Choice,” track 4, is slowed down a bit and features more melodic tones. There’s a sweet tone to the vocals but they take a change to a heavier background vocal. Probably the most “radio friendly” track on the album.
The album ends just like it started, fast, hard and heavy with track 10, G.T.F.O. There’s a circle pit evoking quality to this one. Finishing off the album in a style all their own.
Half Blood doesn’t disappoint. After listening to the album three different times I still wasn’t bored and craved pushing play again. What a great debut from these guys from Santiago. Hope to hear more from them soon. Rating this a 4 out of 5 in all areas. Originality, sound quality and production are probably the highest points of the album. Get it now on iTunes or from their website. https://www.halfbloodband.com/
