AS BLOOD RUNS BLACK a mosh pit propelled by several different metallic sub-genres. The latter track, for instance, is an absolute smorgasbord: following a flurry of death metal riffs with intermittent displays of cookie monster grunts and hardcore shout-outs, then launching into a melodious trad-metal guitar solo before descending into a blast-beat driven grindcore finale, complete with unintelligible burped vocals. At least the words spouted by all these different voices (and helpfully printed out within) remain relatively consistent with hardcore's usual themes of independent thought and self-empowerment, mixed with a smidgeon of emo-style bitching (a sign of the band's generation, it almost can't be helped). But by the time the album's ten tracks conclude (the second half possessing nowhere near the first half's distinguishing qualities), an overall allegiance (pun intended) to the melodic metalcore clique led by Killswitch Engage and Unearth does become apparent. Ultimately, the band's instrumental prowess is a highlight in itself, and most listeners will find that whatever As Blood Runs Black still lacks in terms of ingenious songwriting, they mostly make up for with pure adrenalin. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide LEARN MORE