For those in tune with the current climate of heavy music, the resurgence of the formative late 90's/early 2000's era of American heavy music has been at the forefront of the culture. With bands getting reacquainted with the metallic nuance of turn of the century, an explosion of compilation-era nu-core has become prevalent with in a contemporary wave of heft. 

Less comfortable with the notion of all that is old being new again, Dallas-bred BLEED have been steadily cultivating a passionate following for their progressive approach to modern metal - sourcing an assortment of style points ranging from heavy alt, shoegaze and modernized nu-metal that translates as something authentic - regardless of what is en vogue.

The band's effective, adept brand of aggression was evident from the start, vaulting from regional buzz to heavy music's bonafide blue chips. In fact, the band's 2021 EP, Somebody's Closer went from an independently released project to a kind of cult classic - earning re-release via 20 Buck Spin just a year after it's initial release. Far from the parody that often plagued the Y2K, compilation-core era, BLEED understood the balance of sounding fresh and familiar all at once. 

Riding on high into the release of the band's hotly-anticipated full length debut, BLEED's self-titled effort frames a wide-reaching, approachable introduction to the band's articulate approach to nu-era heft. Showcasing succinct melody and well-constructed songs, the band finds an intersection among artists like Deftones, Failure, Quicksand and Helmet without running the afoul of being a carbon copy. 

Offering some insight to the creative process and the collective disposition of the band on the brink of a breakout, vocalist Ryan Hughes shared a track-by-track assessment of the album. With each track, Hughes better explains how the especially imporant debut album came together and helped to better refine the band's already well-dialed sound. 

Hughes - This was one of the last songs we wrote for the record. We had a lot of fun piecing this one together and really pushed our own envelope with it. This song deals with the idea of being left with nothing but your own truths and staring them in the face. The next choice is yours…

Hughes - Entered a new comfort zone as we coursed through the writing process of this. Leaned into some ideas we’ve had for a while and finally found the ways to refine them. Will leave the lyrical impressions up to the listener.

Hughes - Started with the main riff and the track came to life around it. Shoutout to Cleo for the killer breakbeat additions that really made the song what it is, in my opinion. 

Hughes - We enjoyed rebuilding this song from the ground up for the LP. Rubio really dove in head first creating the sonic layering and accents that this track deserved and absolutely slaughtered it. 

Hughes -This song came together in a 40 minute practice session. One of those where it just falls right into place. The composition on the record is the same as it’s been since then. Deals with the idea of being unable to outrun time and pain - leading to nothing but isolation.

Hughes - One of my favorites. This song has a lot of personal depth with all of us. If you have never listened to Bleed, listen to this song first. You’ll figure out everything you need to know. 

Hughes - This song would be nothing without Carson and Olli. Carson’s chops on this one are undeniable and thundering, while Olli’s additions steal the show. Cherish those you love because you have no idea how long they’ll be here. 

Hughes - One of the first ones we wrote for the album. Straight to the point but relatively different from the rest of the tracks. Carson really leaned into the groove and blew it out of the water with the drum performance.

Hughes - My personal favorite Bleed song to date. This came out exactly how we envisioned. Intentionally the heaviest track on the record, both sonically and emotionally. Speaks on unhealthy coping mechanisms and begging for purification.