Formed in 2013 in Bogota, Columbia we have BLOODY NIGHTMARE. The band had a few small releases since 2014 including a demo and being part of a split CD but released their first full length album, "Hellwolf", in 2018. But today we are looking at the band's brand new album titled "Pillars of Chaos" (released in May 2023) which was written through-out 2022 and recorded in their local studio of DIGITAL WIDERSTAND STUDIOS. They then went on to sign with Spanish label FIGHTER RECORDS in order to release this album. BLOODY NIGHTMARE are heavily influenced by 80's Heavy Metal which shows through-out this album.

Kicking things off we have "Hellix" which opens with a very eerie sounding synth like something you would hear in an epic sci fi movie. It then cuts to some massive 80's style riffing and lead guitar soloing to accompany it. This is just an intro track but it really sets the tone for what is to follow. A rumbling bass with guitar harmonies kicks things off for the first song "Nightriders". This sounds very much like early IORN MAIDEN which also shows with the vocal style which is trying to channel that NWOBHM vibe. The riffs are cool catchy with a ripping solo to go along with it. This is a solid opener.

The title track "Pillars of Chaos" starts off with some speedy riffs and solid drumming. It is a good circle pit contender and a real headbanger too. The tune is relentless with plenty of big riffs here. The guitar solo shreds but also keeps the song's melody. It is a strong track. "Midnight Legion" opens with a bit of a slower pace than what we have heard so far but it then picks up for some old school headbanging. There is a nice twin guitar attack through-out. Like this and the rest of this album there are lots of early IORN MAIDEN vibes. On this track the guitar harmonies really steal the show though.

After that we then have "Excessive Pleasure" which opens with a monster sized riff. Some smooth bass lines take over and the monster riffs come back. The speed then picks up and the guitar work here is pretty cool. The band is on fire here with lots of trade off and each band member gets their moment to shine. A clean guitar melody which is very pleasant opens our final track "Celestial Wisdom". The heavy riffing then takes over as it starts to build up but keeps that same melody from the start. The lead guitar lines and soloing carries the track but at parts I feel like the drums go a little too hard. It is a grand instrumental to close out the album.

From listening to "Pillars of Chaos" you can really hear that BLOODY NIGHTMARES have strong 80's Heavy Metal influences from the likes of IORN MAIDEN and DIAMOND HEAD. With the vocals I feel he is trying to go for that NWOBHM style but falls a little short. The riffing and guitar solos are really cool though. This is a collection of songs that are out of time.