EP REVIEW: Vision – Blodet

Over recent years, more bands are taking the step in breaking down the genre-binding constructs and delving into the depths of constant exploration. It felt easier, even just a decade ago, to be able to pinpoint where each band belonged, but experiencing that inability to stick a style into a specific box is something beautiful. One of those we can thank for that is Swedish sextet BLODET. Their previous post-rock/metal sounds caught the attention of those who are familiar with the dynamics that other bands like CULT OF LUNA put on the table. Now, with their latest EP, Vision, they are stepping out of their box and into their wilder, more colourful side.

Tethering on the edges of their recognisable sound and an infusion of more doom-esque textures, BLODET have been able to capture a chillingly calm atmosphere throughout. Intro track The River is an ideal example of how you don’t need to rely on sounding heavy to be crushing. Their ability to calmly transition throughout sections shows that the sextet have gained a sense of control over their sound that they potentially might not have had previously.

That control echoes in how new vocalist Hilda Heller has integrated herself into the fold. Focusing on their earlier years as an instrumental band, Heller was introduced in 2019 and, with Vision being her debut recording, the decision to bring her on board and change things up is one that should not come with regret. Her velvet-textured vocals envelope the instrumentation, a hauntingly beautiful accompaniment to her surround sounds.

Whilst Heller‘s vocals dominate in some moments, the rest of the band allowing her to take centre stage to show her talents, it never feels unbalanced. The graciousness of She Remains highlights her voice in an exceptional fashion, however the EP’s title track sees the bold experimentation of the instrumentation from the band, allowing an insight to the growth and direction of where BLODET are going in the future. At just over 15-minutes long, the title track is potentially the strongest in terms of that aforementioned control, it’s delicately handled, and despite crafting soft soundscapes and a still atmosphere, it weighs down just as heavy as what you would expect typically within the post-realm of music. It’s an elegant and spell-binding way to leave the EP.

Whilst Vision may not be strictly conforming to genre specifics, it certainly brings a new spark to the post-rock/metal scene. Heller‘s vocals have certainly contributed to the chilling sounds that fall out gracefully, again making a stunning addition to BLODET. In the past, there has always felt like something was missing in their sound, despite how talented they have already proven to be, and with this addition of Heller, it feels as though that void has been filled. If Vision is along the lines of what we can expect from BLODET in the future, just know that they have an exciting future ahead of themselves.

Rating: 8/10

Vision is out now via Church Road Records.

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