Bleed From Within – Zenith – Album Review
1st April 2025After two decades of grinding, touring, and riff-slinging their way to the top of the UK metal scene, Bleed From Within have released their seventh and most ambitious album to date—Zenith. And let’s be clear: They didn’t just name this record after a high point for fun. This is their high point.
The opening track, “Violent Nature,” doesn’t politely ask for your attention—it throws a brick through the window and starts blasting riffs like it owns the place. The production is tight, the guitar tones are meaty but clean, and the rhythm section hits with the precision of a guided missile. If you’re looking for subtlety, this might not be your record—but if you’re here for breakdowns that could level a mid-size building, you’re in the right spot.
One of the album’s highlights—“In Place of Your Halo”—drops a bagpipe section mid-track, which somehow feels completely natural. It’s a bold nod to their Scottish roots, and honestly, it kind of slaps. More metal bands should consider the “bagpipe surprise” approach.
The record balances muscle with melody throughout. Electronic and industrial textures weave through tracks like “Immortal Desire” and “Dying Sun,” giving way to explosive choruses and razor-edged solos. And these solos? Tasteful. No fretboard gymnastics for the sake of it—just melodic, purposeful leads that elevate the songs rather than hijack them.
Vocalist Scott Kennedy delivers the kind of commanding performance we’ve come to expect, and the interplay with Steven Jones’s clean vocals gives the record a dynamic lift without veering into formula. Lyrically, the album leans into themes of perseverance, struggle, and self-realization. There’s genuine emotional grit underneath all the distortion.
Guest appearances from Mastodon’s Brann Dailor and Sylosis’s Josh Middleton don’t feel like tacked-on features—they’re part of the sonic architecture. The production team—featuring Adam “Nolly” Getgood and Dan Weller—makes sure every layer of Zenith hits with maximum impact.
The most impressive part? This album doesn’t let up. From the first chord to the final crescendo of “Edge of Infinity,” Zenith is relentless but never repetitive. Bleed From Within know exactly when to pivot, when to drop the hammer, and when to bring in the cinematic flourishes. It’s a masterclass in modern metal that’s as thoughtful as it is thunderous.
In short, Zenith isn’t just another strong release in Bleed From Within’s catalog—it’s the culmination of years of growth, risk-taking, and flat-out hard work. They’re not just riding the wave of the “new metal guard”—they’re helping shape it.
And yes, I saw them open for Slipknot, and they crushed. Just like they do here.
Score 9/10
Tracklist
1. Violent Nature
2. In Place of your Halo
3. Zenith
4. God Complex
5. A Hope in Hell
6. Dying Sun
7.Immortal Desire
8. Changed to Hate
9. Known by no Name
10. Hands of Sin (feat. Josh Middleton)
11. Edge of Infinity
