It�s hard to believe that the young British lads of Bring Me The Horizon have only been in a band together since 2004. With a rapidly growing fanbase in- and outside the UK they have gained lots of attention with their extreme music. And what is even more astonishing is the fact that they have only released one album so far; Count Your Blessings. It was originally released in October 2006 in the UK only but as of November 12^th 2007, people can get their own copy of this highly praised album.

 

My first encounter with this band was during a live show. Back then they played as a support act for The Haunted and Killswitch Engage and all people I know that visited that show agreed on the fact that the sound of BMTH that day was absolutely terrible. So, what started as anxiety soon turned into boredom while listening to the monotonous noise during that show.

 

But, as I was already hoping, I finally got the chance to give this band a second chance, as I already knew that they must have had more skills than presented during the show I witnessed. And boy, was I right! On disc these guys kick some major ass! If you thought metalcore was dead, think again! Metalcore has been taken to the next level (of extremity). And everything one may hate about it, like clean vocals or weak second hand riffs has been avoided by the band. Except for their tight pants and emo-haircuts that is.

 

Right from the start this album kicks in with a massive, bulldozer-like power that is bound to destroy everything crossing its path. Nasty screaming, double bass attacks, fast riffs, great breakdowns and catchy lead guitar parts are all there. Actually the more I listened to the album the more I started to realize that calling this music metalcore would be a little shortsighted. And a quick peek at their MySpace showed me I was right�as they call their own music a mix of hardcore, metal and thrash metal. Suits me! Add death metal to that as well!

 

Let there be no doubt about the massive attack that the disc comprises. I am very pleasantly surprised by it! But � as there�s always a �but� in reviews � I do feel that there could be more variety on the album. I mean, I kinda understand that people would probably feel like hearing a bit of the same during a live show. When the sound isn�t perfect that is. Guess y�all know that feeling right?!

 

So these guys have proven themselves a worthy band after all. Now we can only pray for a better sound during their upcoming European live tour with Maroon, Blessed By A Broken Heart and Architects. Must be killer!