(Traditional Power Metal) Bloodstained - Greetings From Hell - 2004, MP3, 320 kbps

REVIEW FROM WWW.METAL-OBSERVER.COM:

Has a pretty active scene, but you hardly hear anything from it. Why, I have no clue, but thankfully there are labels such as Cult Metal Classics, which does not only re-issue long-lost material, but also gives new bands a chance, as in this case BLOODSTAINED.

BLOODSTAINED were founded in 2000 by drummer Agelos Tsoukalas, who already could gather experience with bands such as PHANTOM LORD, POWER CRUE and VICE HUMAN. From SECRET SHOW he got singer Theodoros Gourlomatis and guitarist Giorgios Kalavrezos, while bassist Stavros Aivaliotis from FADING REALITY finally completed the line-up. After one demo he signed with Cult Metal Classics and now sends its “Greetings From Hell” into the wide Metal world.

The opener “Die By My Sword“ sets the pace right away: US-Power Metal of the old school is what we get, driven by fat double-bass and typical guitars, plus very good vocals by Theodoros, which more than once remind me of early JAG PANZER or TITAN FORCE, meaning of Harry “Tyrant Conklin”. Here it also becomes clear that BLOODSTAINED do not only belt out straightly, but also induce some twists and turns.

“Burn The Sky“ is maybe the perfect track to get introduced to BLOODSTAINED, fast, catchy, powerful, also with some choir, while the title track here and there has a certain MANOWAR touch, a bit less epic than the “Kings of Metal“, but a bit rougher in the guitars. “Sacrifice” shows that they also are at home in more melodic regions, especially guitarist Giorgios can fully convince here.

The two closing tracks form another very strong double, “The Fugitive“ is fast and aggressive, while “Son Of The Damned” is most probably the best song of “Greetings From Hell”, swiftly galloping, with keyboard support, but very catchy and with some light choirs, very strong!

Altogether BLOODSTAINED have managed to come up with a very strong debut, where especially singer Theodoros Gourlomatis and guitarist Giorgios Kalavrezos stand out, played very tightly and with a suiting powerful production, US-Power Metal fans – a must! (Online August 14, 2004)

Theodoros Gourlomatis: vocals
Giorgos Kalavrezos: guitar
Stavros Aivaliotis: bass
Angelos Tsoukalas: drums