SEEDS OF MARY released their awaited third album "The Blackbird and the Dying Sun" October 20, 2017. The hard rock band hailing from Bordeaux, France was formed in 2011 and released their first EP in 2013.  While touring in France, Seeds of Mary embarked on their first full length release, "Choose Your Life." The release was met enthusiastically, and the band garnered more media attention and the opportunity to play for larger audiences. With the release of "The Blackbird and the Dying Sun", Seeds of Mary shows off their sound with twelve sludgy, dark, hard rock tracks characterized by heavy riffs and vocal harmonies.

Opening track, "I am Not Afraid" features heavy riffs and melodic, vocal harmony. The chorus is catchy and memorable. I was immediately put in the mind of Alice In Chains. The guitar tone, the style of the riffs, and the vocals are very reminiscent of Alice In Chains.I felt like I was middle school thumbing through my dad's cd collection again. If imitation is the highest form of flattery then this is definitely a tribute to the grunge gods.

"What Have We Done" stands out with an ear grabbing chorus. I liked the guitar solo on this song, a little more than the ones on the other tracks, but I feel like there is quite a bit of room for growth in this area. Almost as though the raw emotion I expect to hear just isn't there. The album picks up a bit of momentum with "Sovereign Mind." This song brings heavy, appealing riffs. "Sense of Sacrifice" has an interesting sound from the get, and features a catchy, anthemic drum beat. The song has a dark, bluesy sound, and stays interesting.

"The Blackbird" starts as a sullen, atmospheric ode. The angst scorched song picks up a heavier sound. "The Dying Sun" has a somber feel with a heavy, compelling chorus, but overall the song is a bit of a drudgery. The length of the song is not justified by the substance. "Back to the Woods" opens with a pretty cello melody that pulls you into another dark, muddy track. The album closes with the impressive vocal harmonies characteristic of Seeds of Mary.

"The Blackbird and the Dying Son" had it's high points with "I am Not Afraid", "Sense of Sacrifice", and "The Blackbird." Though they definitely have captured the Alice in Chains vibe, the tracks are not of the same caliber as the aforementioned sludge rock legends. It's pretty hard to stand against Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell, and in my humble opinion, it's probably a task best not pursued.