(CD, Bakerteam Records, 2013)
The main reason I was intrigued to deal with Italy’s industrial-ized Dark / Gothic band RUBLOOD was the striking influences that, according to the official FaceBook page, stand between RAMMSTEIN and DEATHSTARS. This is a most interesting mix because these bands are the cream of the crop in the Industrial (the former) and the Gothic scene (the latter). “Star Vampire” is the RUBLOOD debut release and I have to admit that it got me into the headbanging / dancing mode pretty fast...
...with the industrial electronic loops of the album opener and the hypnotic CREMATORY-esque keyboards delivering a catchy as hell main melody that will lead you to the sing-along chorus. The frozen, gothic atmosphere is nicely built with multiple dark layers of aggressive keyboards and melancholic Metal guitar riff supporting Ruben as he’s spitting out the lyrics with a Transylvanian throat-y hue. “Heart” and “Rainfall” reveal RUBLOOD’s intend to add some dance-like groove breaks, and tracks like “Electro Starfuckers” step on RAMMSTEIN territory and get heavier adding the term ‘Metal’ in the RUBLOOD equation. The songs that got the most plays during the listening sessions of this album was the cover on DEPECHE MODE’s “Policy Of Truth”, “Goth Love” with the melancholic TIAMAT-esque tunes and the DEATHSTARS-driven “Ignition” that also reminded me how much I’ve missed a new album from the Swedish gothsters.
“Star Vampire” serves the purpose to introduce RUBLOOD to the Industrial / Gothic Metal genre and I think raises the expectation for their next release. In other words, if they continue working and filtering their sound (while ditching the Pop elements), I am sure the Gothic/Industrial Metal fans will have a new band on their to-check list.
7/10
Links:
www.Rublood.Com
www.FaceBook.Com/Rublood
www.Twitter.Com/Rublood
Tracklist:
01. Star Vampire
02. Heart
03. Through The Looking Glass
04. Electro Starfuckers
05. Rainfall
06. True Blood
07. Policy Of Truth
08. Negative Bride
09. Goth Love
10. Ignition
11. In Love We Trust
Lineup:
Ruben Roll - Vocals, Keys
Moony - Guitars
Daryl Madden - Guitars
L Daniels - Bass
MirKO Stiffler - Drums