Bands with that Stoner/Southern Rock/Metal orientation must have one thing in mind: this style was born in USA, so it can be nasty sometimes to make the things as a North American born band does. The feeling is a bit different, because that influence from Southern Country Rock form of music is something easy to be emulated. OK, I already know that the style grew a lot, and some bands really are doing good work, as the Finnish quartet BLACK BLOOD, that arrives with their first album, "Black Blood".

Making a form of Stoner Rock along influences from Southern/Groove Metal bands as DOWN, but being as aggressive as a bear enraged. Of course there are those great melodies that sometimes remind us all from the old and good Western films. All is in very good shape, but they need to improve their work a bit more. They are good, but not outstanding, and in our actual reality, good bands don't last forever. The sound production did a fine job, because all the instruments can be heard with definition under the filthy and oiled sonority. It sounds a lot as a Southern/Stoner Metal band, but with a great sense of musical clarity. It's good, running away from those dirty and incomprehensive noises that some call "sound quality".

For a first coming, "Black Blood" really exhibits a good amount of songs, with a fine melodic approach (even when these Finnish bears strike). Songs as the savage and hooking "Clarity" (with a thunderous work from the guitars), "Shrine of Vanity" with its abrasive riffs and great work from bass and drums, the bitter "The Failure" (that traditional track where tempos are done a bit slower, but with charming moments, and a good work from the vocals with harsh tunes can be heard), the melodic and nasty "Stray Bullets" (that type of song with fine and introspective melodies, but with very good amounts of weight, and another fine work from bass guitar and drums), the excellent introspective instrumental "Route 66.6", the hypnotic harmonies shown on "Wolf of Anger", and the fast and sharp "Speed Thrills & Roadkills" show how these guys have talent and potential. It's just a matter of putting it out, and they'll hit the bull's-eye. They are a good name for a near future, indeed.