Halo of Blood
Children of Bodom · 2013
45 min · 11 tracks · melodic death metal
Melodic death metal riffs collide with symphonic elements, creating a dark and energetic atmosphere that propels the listener forward.
Top tracks — play these first
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Halo of Blood — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic essence, juxtaposing aggression with haunting melodies that exemplify the band's signature style.
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Waste of Skin Start here — Opening the album with fierce energy, this track features intricate guitar work and showcases the band's technical prowess right from the start.
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Scream for Silence — This song stands out for its emotional weight and dynamic shifts, blending aggressive verses with melodic choruses that highlight the band's versatility.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines melodic death metal with symphonic elements, creating an engaging yet familiar experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that features aggressive guitar riffs and rapid drumming, setting a high-energy tone.
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and keyboards, which blend with the heavy instrumentation to create a layered sound.
- The last two tracks maintain a consistent tempo but introduce variations in melody and rhythm, providing a sense of closure to the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- darkly immersive atmosphere
- headphone detail hunting
- cathartic full-volume release
- engaging narrative throughout
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and solidifies their status in melodic death metal.
- Themes
- dark symphonic landscapes· personal demons· melodic aggression
- Career context
- Released on May 8, 2013, 'Halo of Blood' is Children of Bodom's eighth studio album, coming after their previous effort, 'Relentless Reckless Forever' from 2011. This album marks a return to form for the band, showcasing their signature blend of melodic death metal while also incorporating darker lyrical themes and refined production techniques. It reflects a period of both resurgence and evolution in their sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Insomnium· Dark Tranquillity· Amon Amarth
Tracklist
- 1 Waste of Skin Start here 4:16
- 2 Halo of Blood 3:12
- 3 Scream for Silence 4:09
- 4 Transference 3:58
- 5 Bodom Blue Moon (The Second Coming) 4:14
- 6 Your Days Are Numbered 3:40
- 7 Dead Man's Hand on You 4:57
- 8 Damaged Beyond Repair 4:20
- 9 All Twisted 4:51
- 10 One Bottle and a Knee Deep 4:04
- 11 Sleeping in My Car 3:19
What to play next
I Worship Chaos
2015
Continues the melodic death metal sound with refined production and engaging themes.
Relentless Reckless Forever
2011
Sets the stage with a similar energy and style, leading into Halo of Blood.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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