The stalwart, never say die lords of the underground, God Forbid are back with their latest offering, Earthsblood. Throughout their entire career, God Forbid have fought adversity to maintain their rightful place in the soul of the metal scene, no matter what the popular trend may be. While others such as Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God and Shadows Fall have found much more success in the mainstream, God Forbid can rest assured that they have never released a lackluster album. Earthsblood, the follow up to 2005’s Constitution of Treason, not only continues the trend of noteworthy releases, but it noticeably ups the ante, and extends the influence of this band on newer fans.

For most of their career, God Forbid has been caught between the metal they claim to represent, and the hardcore that they thrived on via guilt by association. As the band graduated into more prominent climates however, God Forbid found that it was “okay” to be labeled as metal music played by metalheads. And so, album after album, God Forbid evolved into a much more complete, thorough metal act, slowly shedding their guise of being hardcore. On Earthsblood, the transformation is complete, we are presented with God Forbid in all of their metallic glory. From beginning to end, Earth quaking track after Earth quaking track, Earthsblood is a thriving mass of pure, undiluded modern metal. Despite being a long time fan of God Forbid, I can say that I am very happy to hear what is likely the truest version of this group to date.

Earthsblood not only takes its sound in the direction of pure metal, it takes a step further by avoiding overusing popular methods in metal that are surefire ways to get you recognized amongst up and coming fans. Instead, God Forbid has instrumented much less melody than on their previous album, while dramatically upgrading the heavy factor and aggression. This may sound strange to many readers, especially those who are familiar with God Forbid, but I got this strange familiarity about Earthsblood that immediately linked this album to viking metal ala Amon Amarth. Not only can you not get anymore metal than viking metal, but its a direction that completely throws a monkey wrench into the works which will totally flabergast the critics and keep fans on their toes. What better reaction could a metal band possibly ask for?

God Forbid have truly shown where their hearts lie. They are die hards of a scene that will beckon them forever, as long as they put out the music we need to hear. Much like Overkill, God Forbid has the potential to lead a long, storied career making them legends of underground metal. Earthsblood is a much welcomed addition to this career which has already left an indellible mark on the New Wave of American Heavy Metal scene, and I find myself being legitimately relieved that God Forbid, one of the highlights of the metalcore breakout bands, has maintained their stride.

VERY GOOD

Top Tracks: Shallow, War of Attrition, Bat the Angels, Earthsblood

Similar Artists: Amon Amarth, Shadows Fall, All That Remains, Gojira

1.    The Discovery    01:42
2.    The Rain    05:21
3.    Empire of the Gun    04:45
4.    War of Attrition    04:27
5.    The New Clear    06:36
6.    Shallow    03:31
7.    Walk Alone    06:14
8.    Bat the Angels    06:06
9.    Earthsblood    09:03
10.    Gaia (The Vultures)    07:17

Byron Davis – Vocals
Doc Coyle – Guitar
Dallas Coyle – Guitar
John Outcalt – Bass
Corey Pierce – Drums

Century Media Records

http://www.myspace.com/godforbid

http://www.godforbid1.com/

Review by CODY