"The new breed of Swedish metal" is how the label markets Blinded Colony. They really do sound modern and, I believe, something that the listeners of modern Swedish music such as In Flames and Soilwork might praise a lot.

There is no way around it: 'Bedtime Prayers' owe a lot to 21st century In Flames. Guitar work is uncomplicated, riff-oriented, and there's no solos to be heard on this one. Heavy Soilwork-ish keyboard work add modern edge, of course. Angrier vocals are screamed, and this metalcore style does annoy me like hell. There's clean, sung vocals, which appear to be good enough, if nothing special. Songs tend to be fastish with slower punch-parts. Yep, there's really not much own there!

The sound is polished. I like the punchy sound of drums, but otherwise it's just too polished, effacing any possible personal fingerprint the band might have. The album was recorde by the band themselves. The lyrical themes include human and non-human created defects we have to cope with.

With 'Bedtime Prayers', Blinded Colony have a modern yet pretty much faceless product in their hands. Not what I want from my metal.

Rating: 3+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
01/02/2007 20:58