Scottish formation Snowblood seems somewhat of an arcanum: no info on the (very classy) chipboard sleeve, the minimalistic outside artwork is nothing but a few lines, and the inside artwork feels esoteric. The album's self-titled, or rather untitled, which is somewhat odd considering it's the band's third release. And there must be an interesting story hidden somewhere, as Snowblood seems to have decided their moment of splitting up at the band's foundation.
"Snowblood" is an album that balances doom/sludge and post-metal on a pair of scales, sometimes panning left or right without letting the other side go completely. The hourlong album features a mere four tracks; the average fifteen minutes per song should be quite indicative of the spun-out, slow-paced nature. Don't expect a brainless monotonous dragging and droning, however. Despite the length, all tracks build up tension and atmosphere step by step - starting with whispers and harmless twanging, hardly insinuating any direction at all. The soundscape inexorably turns overcast with ominous beats and usually end in a full-scale storm of distortion and (high-pitched) screams. Fifteen minutes of Snowblood only seem like seven, and the hymns feel hardly composed. They're like a raw, pulsating force improvised and guided by inner emotion.
In general attitude, style and perception, I could say it's the Scottish/UK counterpart for our Belgian AmenRa, but that's about the only comparative remark I can provide. Whether you want to space out on the best drug possible (music!) or need an outlet for frustration: Snowblood will take care of the problem.
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AUTHOR: Goran
Goran has been an active reviewer for years (since the old Fishcomcollective, to the brand new Corazine - and also for Face Your Underground). He enjoys - besides metal - the creative side of life, be it through music, sports, programming or 3D. You can find him at www.myspace.com/fdemets.