Just Before Dawn - Tides of Blood

JUST BEFORE DAWN - Tides of Blood (RAW SKULL Rekordz - LP 2018)

This is third Just Before Dawn album, but if you count "On the History of Destruction", which compiles two EPs and some other songs, then we could say that it's a fourth full length release from this Swedish death metal band. And if you ever had a chance to hear any of their previous efforts then you should know exactly what to expect from "Tides of Blood". Which is melodic, almost epic sounding Swedish death metal with a concept that deals with the Second World War and various important events from its history (like Market Garden and the bombing of Bremen). One more important and always very attractive fact about Just Before Dawn albums is that its leader and main songwriter Anders Biazzi always invites a whole bunch of other musicians to participate in his album. Don't be surprised if you hear a different death metal growler in each song. This time you could hear legendary vocalists like Dave Ingram, but also Matias Nastolin (Decaying), Ralf Hauber (Revel in Flesh), Jonny Pettersson (Wombbath), Mattias Parkkila (Malfeitor). And guitarists such as Håkan Stuvemark (Wombbath). Isn't that exciting? Oh yes, it is. As always! 

And even if Just Before Dawn music is not able to surprise me with anything new and it seems to be repeating the same or similar patterns from the previous albums, it sounds fantastic anyway and I personally enjoy it a lot. To some new listeners it could sound slightly one dimensional, monotonous and too long... But I personally don't feel it this way. I rather prefer to say that I love these melodies, monumental feeling of this sort of death metal and that it perfectly fits the concept, which Just Before Dawn presents. Slow paced, epic... sometimes sorrowful, full of emotions death metal, which is not solely limited to aggression and brutality and which stylistically combines Bolt Thrower, Asphyx and Swedish death metal (including Amon Amarth, band, which personally I dislike!). All songs from “Tides of Blood” flow slowly, taking you straight into the frenzy and tragedy of war. They don't bring any surprises, but sound very good, very solid and insanely memorable. Which is a perfect recipe for this sort of death metal. The guitar work is very good, I also like how all guests did they work.... and on top of the very well written songs, there's clean, yet powerful production, what gives a good balance between the melodic side of this music and punching, aggressive riffage. I'm also happy to hear Mr. Ingram here. I know that he's been back into death metal for some time, in bands such as Down Among the Dead Men. But I haven't had yet a chance to hear them, so it's great to know that his growl still sounds brutal and great! 

What else can I write!? "Tides of Blood" has got a fantastic vinyl presentation, with a black / white marbled vinyl housed in a gatefold cover. Strictly limited, it's a must to have, so be quick, get a copy or be dead. 

Standout tracks: "Market Garden", "Bombs over Bremen", "Tides of Blood" 

Verdict: 80/100