BLEED FROM WITHIN’S “ZENITH” THE GREATEST ALBUM METALCORE HAS TO OFFER

Scottish heavy metal icons, Slipknot openers, and modern pioneers of the wider metal genre, Bleed From Within, return with their seventh studio album, Zenith, releasing on April 4th.

So far, singles like “God Complex” and “A Hope in Hell” showcase a return to the band’s stunning, divine aspects. This overarching theme of angelic, transcendent power carries into the album’s title, Zenith, representing the height of success and influence. The album fully embraces this theme, serving as a powerful reminder of the sheer brilliance of their music.

The pre-released singles “In Place of Your Halo,” “God Complex,” “A Hope in Hell,” and “Hands of Sin” set the tone for what fans can expect on Zenith. Out of these, “God Complex” stands out as my personal favorite. Bleed From Within expertly handle their crushing guitars and even heavier vocals, but this track feels uniquely intense even by their standards. A focal point for me is drummer Ali Richardson, whose performance on “God Complex” showcases his full potential and technical prowess. His drumming serves as the driving force of the album, shaping and defining each song’s rhythm and pacing.

The album’s opener, “Violent Nature,” is yet another shining example of what Bleed From Within does best a commanding and engaging track that firmly establishes Zenith’s tone. Vocalist Scott Kennedy delivers an outstanding performance, proving his versatility. Meanwhile, the clean vocals, performed by Steven Jones, appear throughout the album, offering breathtaking moments that even non-metal listeners can appreciate. These performances elevate the album beyond the genre, allowing a wider audience to experience its stunning musicality.

One of the album’s shorter tracks, “Known by No Name,” features an orchestral backing that adds a cinematic depth to the song. This was particularly mesmerizing, and in my opinion, the best track on the album. It’s more than just a song, it’s a full-bodied experience, seamlessly tying together the album’s divine and heavenly themes. It felt as though the track was speaking to the listener itself, declaring I am beautiful. Pay attention. And indeed, it was.

The final track, “Edge of Infinity,” serves as a brilliant closing piece. It begins with clean vocals before transitioning into powerful, harsh delivery midway through. Edge of Infinity feels almost like a farewell, a thank you to the listener for making it through the entire album. It’s rewarding, immersive, and deeply moving.

Zenith truly lives up to its name, standing as the peak of Bleed From Within’s work, at least for now, as I remain hopeful for what’s to come. It’s the only heavy metal album I can confidently say has zero skips. Each track outdoes the last, keeping me thoroughly impressed and engaged throughout. Even if you’re not a metal listener the heaviest I usually go is The Beatles’ Helter Skelter, Zenith is an album you simply can’t ignore. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s the sheer soul in the music, the breathtaking performances, or the well-crafted themes. This album isn’t just music, it’s art and literature at their finest.