Blood

I'm NOT a BIG rock fan (and more like 60s-80s rock), but I am either a fan of basically every genre or can find something I like in genres I'm not a particular fan of (like rap, R&B, country), so I am more of a casual fan of different genres of rock with certain artists/bands I like. I'm NOT a metalcore or heavy metal fan ESPECIALLY, particularly not of the bands where the screaming is just like one long, guttural growl to where I can't understand what they're saying. When Maria Brink screams (or screeches) in their songs, it's an enhancement for me; I wait for it, and I'm glad to hear it when it arrives, and it's...feminine - that's the best way I can put it. What I mean is that I've heard other other heavy metal and/or metalcore female artists who just sound like men in the type of long, guttural growl I don't care for. It's NOT BAD; it's just not to MY particular taste, especially when it's for most of/all of the song. I'm huge on lyrics, so I love to understand what an artist is saying, as they're saying it, without having to Google the lyrics. (No, that was not sarcasm.)I listen to Spotify all day while working, and I'm always checking Related Artists to those that I already like or grow to like from the Suggested Artists. I'm glad I did. I hate when I buy albums and skip a lot of the songs (a rarer occurrence now with being able to purchase songs individually). I can easily listen to this album straight through, and unlike some artists that I actually like but whose voices get annoying after several songs (strange, but true), I don't get that with his album. It's not just Maria's singing that I like, but the overall production. I've seen a lot of people love to hate this band, in part because there is no respect for females in this genre (from SOME people), and her (over-) sexualized image which, tbh, is more pop than I would have expected and I actually don't care for, but I'll be looking forward to their next studio album, and if it sounds good, it'll be a definite purchase. Also, 'The Promise' from A Star-Crossed Wasteland is one of my favorites songs from them. I'd like more of a mix between the two.Best compliment I can give is that bands like In This Moment and Halestorm make me more interested in their genre(s). I don't need a fanboy/girl's explanation of why I'm wrong or right to like this album, criticism of me not "getting it" for not being obsessed with the genre, or this/that history of rock - I like what I like, and I love this album.

I own all 4 albums of ITM and finally...a concert DVD! I hadn't yet purchased the original "Blood" album and I'm glad I hadn't since this came around. The special edition of "Blood" comes with a bonus concert DVD "Blood At The Orpheum". It is in picture clear widescreen with 2.0 surround sound. The case list 12 tracks but for some reason the actual DVD only has 10 tracks (not including the intro and outro). "It Is Written" and "Rise With Me" is labeled on the case but nowhere in the DVD. It's no big deal to me as this may have been a printing error. In between some tracks during the concert, Maria gives little interviews. Other than that there is no special features. Even if you've already owned the original "Blood" album, this special edition is worth getting for the bonus concert DVD!

Apparently I have alot of catching up to do in the female metal department. It's an area I totally ignored and that ignorance now seems unforgivable. But listening to this album will help me get over that. I first heard Maria's voice on 5FDP's new album, with the song Anywhere But Here. The 2nd version of the song, the one where she and Ivan perform it like a duet, is the one that got me interested in Maria Brink. Her presence really amplifies that song and my curiosity was peaked. I then started doing my homework and knew I had to get into this band. But where to start? Logic dictates at the beginning with their first album, but I decided to forego logic and go with instinct. I'm glad I did as I love this album and have been listening to it for a week straight as of this writing. I will of course get all thes rest of their albums at some point. I'm really drawn in by Maria's voice, she's like a hot, metal singing siren. She has a unique voice and is very talented, she can belt it out and scream with the best of them. I absolutely love Blood, Adrenalize, Whore, You're Gonna Listen, Burn, Beast Within, Comance and definitely don't have a song that I don't like on here. Haven't skipped anything in my week of listening yet and don't plan to. Great album, great sound, love Maria and can't wait to hear the earlier stuff to see how the band progressed to where they are now. Lesson well learned for me!!!

I'm an old dude, who loves Rock music that's executed well and with a difference. I've heard a few of ITM's stuff on Sirius, liked it and took a chance on this album. Must have played it a dozen times over the weekend. Cant get enough of it. Maria has a voice and delivery that is out of this world, and her guitar player (sorry dude dont know your name yet, but I will!) is stellar! A perfect combo.If you like hard driving Rock, with an edge, and an edgy female singer - this is the band! Every song I kept saying, "Wow!"Like other female fronted bands, Lacuna Coil, Halestorm, Otep, StraightlIneStitch making waves and shaking up the Rock world, In This Moment stands right up there and perhaps above...they know how to get the job done, and done well. This is the stuff of legends...a true talent that would never be found on a reality talent show, but where its always found - on the road, in the garages, basements and warehouses and playing an endless tour of small gigs anywhere and anyplace...where the truly talented learn their way...I recommend this album to all women looking to idolize a female rock singer/performer - and for the guys who love to head bang, but are tired of the garbled lyrics and loss of melody in metal...but I mostly recommend it for FANS of hard Rock that leaves you wanting more...while wanting the whip to cut a little deeper...PS, best damn air-guitar album I've listened to in a long time!