Bleed : Bleed
Dallas, Texas’ Bleed first made waves with their 2021 EP, Somebody’s Closer, with a sound that evoked the thick guitars of ‘90s/early 2000s nu-metal and alternative rock. And while various stylistic touches reminiscent of those eras are indeed easy to detect, Bleed build something more substantial than mere pastiche. For as much as they draw from ‘90s/ 2000s metal and alt rock, they use those elements to craft shoegaze-centric riffs that harbor enchanting melodies.
Now, four years later, Bleed have released their self-titled debut LP via 20 Buck Spin. Throughout the record’s 10 tracks, Bleed offer an experience big on technical finesse and exhilarating atmosphere. They continue to showcase an affection for ‘90s and 2000s-era heaviness, which in this case has some mixed results.
Throughout the album, Bleed’s nu-metal/shoegaze/alt rock combo offers an intoxicating blend rich with melody. Album opener “Climbing Down” kicks off with a catchy delivery of turntable mixing and groove-laden riffs, the band maintaining a baseline level of heaviness alongside a soothing shoegaze melody. They carry that sound with them into the next track, “Fixate,” punching up the delivery with extra aggressive guitar chugs.
Nonetheless, the group’s embrace of nostalgia is prominent. Those who grew up with Y2K metal and rock may spot a couple riffs that recall prominent bands of those eras. Each of the previously mentioned songs have strong Linkin Park vibes, while adding in dashes of Deftones and Korn, respectively. Such an influential presence springs up throughout the record. For some listeners, that level of nostalgia might be comforting, yet such touches potentially overshadow what the band might otherwise have to offer.
While Bleed at times get mired in repetitive uses of tone, their genre-blending approach ultimately provides a mesmerizing display of sound. From adrenalized rushes (“Through The Cylinder”) to hypnotic and mellow flows (“Shallow”), Bleed offer a punchy and immersive presence that allows for a mostly refreshing presentation.
Bleed wear their influences on their sleeve, much more so here than on Somebody’s Closer. That said, the band have proven that there’s so much more to what they do than strictly homage. In their best moments, Bleed are top notch at pairing hypnotic with heavy.
Label: 20 Buck Spin
Year: 2025
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