BLOODLINED CALIGRAPHY “They Want You Silent”
Ypsilanti, Michigan’s BLOODLINED CALIGRAPHY are female fronted metallic hardcore and its finest. They Want You Silent is the group’s debut full-length, coming off last years The Beginning of the End EP, and it’s an invigorating punch in the face of mosh-laden hardcore and huge guitar riffs. Consisting of equal parts NYHC (think MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD’s first album, Nothing in Vain), with the speed and tenacity of WALLS OF JERICHO, the metallic edge of ZAO, and heaping doses of enthusiasm. Vocalist Ally French is impressive – growling in a mostly gender-neutral tone, and with a surprisingly amount of lucidity. A couple of sung/shouted vocal parts make their way into some songs, especially on the rippin’ track, “Know When to Hold Em,” and that allows the band to shape their own style outside the genre standards. You never know what vocal dimension French will tackle next, and that’s half the fun. They Want You Silent has great movement throughout all ten songs (28 minutes), with plenty of dancing riffs and break-neck drumming. No mosh part overstays its welcome, and gang vocals punctuate the thick atmosphere in perfect time. The group even dabbles in some southern rock sludge on the eight track, “Saturday Night In Dixie,” and it’s an unexpected showing of range that helps separate them from the pack. The recordinq quality is fantastic (produced at Cloud City Studios by Mike Hasty), giving BLOODLINED CALIGRAPHY a burly, but flexible sound where every instrument is given a high level of attention in the mix. Lyrically, this group is steadfast is tying together their religious conviction with themes of willpower, personal strength, friendship, and a hunger to appreciate life. It’s a potent stew, and the verbal fervor matches the intensity of the music. Frankly, They Want You Silent makes a ton of metalcore bands look lazy and stiff. While BLOODLINED CALIGRAPHY have yet to change the face of the genre, going on the “gusto” factor alone, this album is miles above in heart and rampant exhuberance… and for some people, that makes all the difference in the world. Easily one of the best things that Facedown has released to date.
Facedown
