Review: Grynd Rodd Muse – Bloodline

Bret reviews Grynd Rodd Muse’s second album ‘Bloodline’.

Artist: Grynd Rodd Muse
Album: Bloodline
Year: 2010
Genre: Metal

Grynd Rodd Muse is a Durban based Hard Rock / Metal band whose on and off journey of the last few years has culminated in a second album, ‘Bloodline’. On receipt of this album, I couldn’t help but stare at the cover in awe. A topless Laura Herholdt on a white sofa is definitely one of the cooler album cover concepts I’ve seen in the last few years. That deserves a \m/ salute right there…

Musically, Bloodline is a decent, well-rounded metal album. You can listen to it from start to finish, and the focus on simplicity translates well into accessibility. Standard double-bass flares, crunchy guitar riffs, simple bass lines and reasonable vocal hooks characterise an album that isn’t going to knock your socks off, but isn’t going to send you running to the hills either.

As mentioned, the best part of this album is certainly its accessibility. This should translate well into a sizeable fan base in the presence of clever marketing and consistent gig playing. Although Bloodline isn’t going to scare you off, it is relatively easy to pick up a range of problems which may deter repeated listens.

Grynd Rodd Muse cite a range of influences, ranging from Pantera to Alice In Chains. Although influences are incredibly important in the music production process, there are moments on Bloodline that sound too close to these influences – perhaps a mimic. The vocals often sound too similar to Sully Erna (Godsmack) and the guitar riff strumming and pinch harmonic techniques sound too much like the late Dimebag Darrell (particularly noticeable on ‘Anger Management’). These problems are amplified further by relatively weak guitar solos, bridges and lyrics.

Although Bloodline lacks the unique and creative edge that would have made it that much more memorable, it gets something right that so few albums do: It is catchy and is rounded to perfection. The first song is as enjoyable as the last, and although the lyrics aren’t awe-inspiring, you’ll remember them, and sing along while playing your best air-guitar. Finally, I suspect that the tracks on Bloodline could translate as an epic live performance. They’re punchy and fun – moshpit material for sure.

Rating: 66/100

Best Tracks: ‘Solitude’, ‘Bloodline’ and ‘Blood and Scars’

- Bret Dugmore
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