Straight from the off, on the opening track, the self titled ‘Bloody Dice’ this 12 track debut album release from Denmark based Bloody Dice, hits you with a cool mid 70’s vibe. Ain’t no bad thing and with an eerie radio type commentary in there for good measure, you kind of hopefully get the scene the band are setting.
‘Machine’ is next up with strong vocals from Dagfinn Joensen pulling you through the song supported with excellent guitar work from Nick Jensen.
Next up ‘Live For Today’ has a a bit of funk in there in bits, veering slightly away from the style of the opening two tracks, but be assured still has a pure rock base, giving you also one of the best guitar solos on the album.
If you picture an amalgam of the NWOBHM, 70’s vibe and post grunge, then for me you’ll get ‘Thorn In Their Side’. Plenty going on in this one, fast flowing beats from Drummer Kenneth Olsen working in tandem with his Bass man Stuart O’Neill.
I like the way this band swaps its styles around with ease in this debut album, we’re back to a bit of early Sabbath in next up track ’The Conflict’. Great rhythm in this one, which for me is one of the best on the album.
‘Road To Ruin’ is an out and out rock song, mellows out in the middle then you’re right back into power to take you through to the end. Keeps you going through the next one ‘Slave’.
Slow ballad approach to ‘Hangover’ changes the tempo, this is the longest track on the album coming in at over 7 mins. Nick shows his class on guitar, backed by some superb vocals from Dagfinn, both of these guys put their best performances on the album in this one.
A deep south rock/blues combo with some harmonica work brings you into ‘My Own Way’. Love the Bass lines on this one from Stuart.
‘Evil Desire’ kicks us into the last quarter of the album, its eerie in bits, shows a darker edge to the band. They brand themselves as ‘Back to the roots……..no nonsense rock n roll’ , yep get that totally.
Last but one track on the album ‘Vigilante’, has a great tone to it, not dissimilar to some Audioslave.
The band kept one of the best until last with ‘Backdoor Man’, has a swagger/swing to it and brings together the bluesy rock vibe of the band that mixes with the 70’s vibe and delivers quality material.
Good debut album, bring us more please.
Kevin McCallum