With “Ad Astra”, BLOODRED return after the release of their last record “The Raven’s Shadow“ and present themselves more mature and multi-layered than ever before!
Music
Musically, main man Ron Merz has worked on further refining the characteristics of BLOODRED without giving up the typical sound. The album features massive death metal songs alongside epic hymns with more than a touch of black, memorable melodies and complex song structures. All of this culminates in the title song, which with a playing time of over 11 minutes, combines all typical BLOODRED characteristics and absolutely wants to challenge the listeners. Each song can stand for itself on the new album and yet “Ad Astra” is a consistent album that all fans of extreme metal should definitely keep an eye on.
Lyrics
The world is on fire, in the actual but also in the figurative sense! And so, the album is lyrically more up-todate than ever and takes up many developments from the past year. Regardless of whether it is the increasing tipping of the climate and all its effects, social developments, the resurgence of authoritarian regimes or the diverse aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic: All of this has an impact on the lyrics of the album. Nevertheless, “Ad Astra” should also spread a certain hope, for which the album title also stands: The way to the stars stands for the fact that mankind can develop further if you tackle the challenges together.
Artwork
The album cover represents this conflict, in which it shows scorched earth and smoke, which then seamlessly merges into a cosmic nebula in the partially visible starry sky. The cover artwork was painted by US-based artist Samuel Nelson exclusively for BLOODRED. The overall artwork and the photography were once again done by the internationally renowned artist Stefan Heilemann (HEILEMANIA), who once more captured and implemented the mood of the album very well.
Production
The album was recorded again in collaboration with Alexander Krull as producer at his Mastersound Studio (guitars & bass were recorded at BLDRD Studio) and a further development of the sound is clearly audible. Despite all the aggressiveness and the necessary punch, there is room for each instrument and the small
subtleties that allow you to discover new things again and again, even after repeated listening.
Band
Ron Merz is still solely responsible for the songwriting and the lyrics. In addition, he takes on guitar, bass and vocals again. On the drums, Joris Nijenhuis shows his skills and versatility all over again, giving the album its own note. His precise playing drives the songs forward where necessary, and the subtleties of his playing support the songs on the other hand in an excellent way. Both contribute to the fact that “Ad Astra” represents another milestone in the development of BLOODRED.
FACTS
• The 3rd studio album of the blackened death metal outfit BLOODRED – available as CD Digipak, limited edition vinyl LP as well as in digital formats.
– Produced, mixed and mastered by Alexander Krull at Mastersound Studio.
– Cover artwork by Samuel Nelson.
– Album artwork & photography by Stefan Heilemann.
Tracklist:
01 – Shatterer Of Worlds
02 – With Existence Comes Suffering
03 – Neon Gods
04 – All Is Bleak (Bonus Track)
05 – United/Divided
06 – Twilight Falls
07 – Fire, Ash And Dust
08 – Realm Of Silence
09 – Ad Astra
Line-Up:
– Ron Merz – Vocals, Guitars, Bass
– Joris Nijenhuis – Drums
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- by Samuel Nelson
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- by Stefan Heilemann
