Baptized in Blood

There has been a great deal of attention circulating around London, ON hardcore-influenced metal brigade Baptized In Blood over the past year. From signing with major independent force Roadrunner to gaining the wisdom and experience of Megadeth founder Dave Mustaine as their manager, not to mention a host of envy-inducing high profile tours, these Southern Ontario natives have built up quite the anticipation around this eponymous affair. That can be a double-edged sword, yet as these 12 tracks heatedly prove, BIB are entirely worthy. Grasping hold of listeners with perfectly executed tracks that balance the searing attitude of thrash with provocative punk rock testiness and hardcore's bellowing rhythmic ferocity, nary a moment of Baptized In Blood fails to shake every bit of brutality out of itself. Surprising for a band so fresh ― formed in 2004, with minimal previous releases ― this accomplished and confident excursion benefits from intelligent songwriting, the wizardry of revered technician Zeuss (Converge, Hatebreed) and a refusal to let one's attention wane.