Album Review: In This Moment - Blood

Linkin Park seemingly avoid a justifiable press blasting because of those looking at the bottom line. In This Moment also miraculously elude deserved flak from fans and critics thanks to striking frontwoman Maria Brink. Other than a handful of decent tunes, their gothic metalcore/hard rock's quality has been superseded by those glossy magazine photo shoots.

The Californians may finally get their due critical caning, because fourth LP, few respectable hooks aside, is awful. Reduced to the songwriting team of Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth means an array of B-grade industrial beats and a marginally heavier approach. If catchiness is the sole factor to assess music then the title track's electro thump succeeds, Brink shrieking about being a “dirty, dirty girl” accompanied by a throbbing bassline. Its provocative lyrics feel contrived though and the rest of Blood is incoherent; you audibly wonder what type of band they want to be. From The Ashes seeks Headbangers Ball airplay, but doesn't pack potent enough melodies. Brink's screams have never entirely convinced and her repetitive, shrill wail during You're Gonna Listen grates. Beast Within's attempt at a club anthem goes nowhere and Comanche is an uninspired answer to previous hit The Gun Show. 11:11's akin to Amy Winehouse channelling her inner goth; it's a flicker of honesty on an album that for all its alleged emotional weight feels faker than the endowments of countless women from their LA turf. Needless interludes further bog things down.

If you deem inclusion in the Hottest Chicks In Metal tour as adequate reason to investigate a band, go ahead. Blood is in desperate need of a transfusion though.