Atanaria
After a seven-year silence, Bleeding Through has roared back with NINE, an album that not only reignites their signature fusion of metalcore and melodic death metal but also pushes their sound into darker, more cinematic territory. For longtime fans who may have drifted away (myself included), this record is a reminder of why Bleeding Through has always stood apart in the metalcore scene.
A Statement of Intent
From the outset, NINE makes it clear that Bleeding Through isn’t here to ease back into things—they’re here to dominate. “Gallows” sets a dark, gothic tone, though it may not have been the best choice for an opener. The following track, “Our Brand Is Chaos,” feels like the true statement of intent, bringing back the fiery, relentless energy that made the band a powerhouse in the mid-2000s. The opening lyric, “Fuck with us and find out,” sets the stage for an album that is both aggressive and cathartic.
The Best of Bleeding Through
Throughout NINE, the band seamlessly blends blackened metalcore elements, soaring cleans, and symphonic flourishes. Tracks like “Dead But So Alive” highlight their mastery of dynamics, balancing guttural growls with some of the best clean vocals on the album. “Hail Destruction” leans heavily into blackened metalcore, featuring eerie synths, menacing guitar riffs, and a solo that is pure fire. Meanwhile, “Path of Our Disease” channels the spirit of 90s Swedish melodic death metal, nodding to bands like In Flames and Dark Tranquillity while still retaining that unmistakable Bleeding Through edge.
Standout Collaborations
One of the album’s most exciting aspects is its guest features. “Lost in Isolation” brings in members of God Forbid, a welcome return for the legendary New Jersey act. “I Am Resistance” pairs Bleeding Through with Comeback Kid, resulting in an anthemic, dual-vocal assault that could be a live show favorite. And then there’s “War Time,” featuring Shadows Fall, which delivers one of the best breakdowns on the album and further cements NINE as a celebration of metalcore’s golden era.
All in All…
Bleeding Through’s NINE is more than just a comeback—it’s a declaration that they are still one of the most unique and vital bands in metalcore. The album balances brutality and melody, nostalgia and innovation, proving that their signature sound still has plenty of fire left. Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone who lost track of the band over the years, NINE is a record that demands your attention.
