The Arrow of Satan is Drawn is a ruthless record from Swedish death metal supergroup Bloodbath. Comprised of members of Paradise Lost, Katatonia, Opeth, and Craft, Bloodbath deliver complex instrumentation, dissonant vocals, and a feeling of dread throughout their latest punishing record.
This onslaught begins with “Fleischmann,” a merciless song driven by slamming cymbals and snare. Screeching guitars join, followed by howling vocals. The experience of listening to the opening track is musically masochistic. It is also a menacing preview of what’s to come next on the record. “Boodicide,” the first release from the album, is filled with pounding riffs and terrifying, melodic instrumentals.
“Wayward Samaritan” is an unforgiving ride, with guitars changing time, an unrelenting breakdown, and righteous buildup that is experientially purifying. “Levitator” has bass drumming and demonic guitars accompanying croaking vocals. It sounds like a choir song in hell. “Deader” is fast and thrashy with symphonic strumming and a hypnotic solo. The wall of sound is absolutely eviscerating in this track.
“March of the Crucifiers” is a real headbanger with gnarly vocals and diabolical bass drumming. Doom is impending and omnipresent throughout this song. This recording is also unpredictable in the way it changes speed, creating a dominating listening experience. “Morbid Antichrist” gets the blood flowing. There is some bone-chilling chanting and hollering. It is around here in The Arrow of Satan is Drawn that listeners are deep in hell, and the only way out is through.
“Warhead Ritual” starts with industrial sounds and sweet drumming. There is a desolate feeling at the onset of this song. That changes with the dangerously catchy riffs and grooving drums. It sounds like a motorcycle ride through the underworld. The solo is an adrenaline rush. “Only the Dead Survive” has a real attention grabbing opening with the high hat hit. The double bass and vocals command the listener, while unholy riffing add infernal emphasis. A wicked snare and unholy singing join the assault.
“Chainsaw Lullaby” is the final retribution before listeners are released from The Arrow of Satan is Draw. The screams and cries in the last track are the necessary climax in the album. The end of the song, and record, is near, and the end of the line is as terrifying as the beginning.
The Arrow of Satan is Drawn is a baptism in violent and dark sounds for these nightmarish times. Abandon all hope when hearing the latest from Bloodbath. The experience is psychologically cleansing and ultimately cathartic.
