Blood Scent cover

Blood Scent

STEMM · 2008

56 min · 11 tracks · alternative metal

A relentless fusion of aggressive riffs and melodic undertones that encapsulates the essence of early 2000s metalcore.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    House of Cards — This track features a catchy chorus paired with heavy instrumentals, making it a standout example of STEMM's ability to blend melody with aggression.
  • →
    The Devil Walks Among Us — With its dark themes and heavy breakdowns, this song exemplifies the band's signature sound, showcasing their lyrical depth and musical intensity.
  • →
    Broken Face Masterpiece — This track displays a unique combination of groove and intricate guitar work, highlighting the band's technical skills and engaging songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
  • Riffs are often layered with melodic guitar lines, creating a contrast between aggression and melody throughout the record.
  • Several tracks feature breakdowns that emphasize rhythm over melody, typical of metalcore, particularly in songs like 'House of Cards' and 'The Devil Walks Among Us'.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Awake

    The bridge shifts perspective as the singer confronts personal demons head-on, creating a moment of intense vulnerability amidst heavy instrumentation.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Blood Soaked 5:21
  • 2 House of Cards 4:49
  • 3 One King Down 3:52
  • 4 Awake 3:47
  • 5 The Devil Walks Among Us 4:30
  • 6 Broken Face Masterpiece 3:22
  • 7 As Real As it Gets 5:02
  • 8 Wish 5:00
  • 9 Beneath My Skin 4:51
  • 10 Never Will I Break 3:28
  • 11 Casualty for Prayer 12:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata