BLOODGOOD: "Dangerously Close"

Rating: RRR
Label: Doolittle Group 2014
Review by Rich Dillon

When hearing the term “Christian rock or metal” the name that most comes to people minds is Stryper given their mainstream commercial success, but there are many others in the genre hiding behind the curtains of mainstream success. Bloodgood is one such band having originally formed in 1984 and issuing their debut offering, Bloodgood in 1986. They have released five studio recordings, three live albums and two DVD’s. While Bloodgood did not achieve the commercial success that Stryper found, they have been touted as a vital stepping stone in the maturing process of Christian Rock.

The band is now comprised of founder and bassist Michael Bloodgood, original vocalist Les Carlsen, drummer Kevin Whistler, guitarist Paul Jackson and Stryper guitarist Oz Fox. In late 2013 Bloodgood released Dangerously Close, their first studio album in some 22 years. Dangerously Close starts off with “Lamb of God” which has also been released as a video. “Lamb of God” starts off well with a good charging, grinding style riff, but before the end of the song my mind wanders and it just can’t hold my attention. This happened on three listens, tuning back in again somewhere around the fourth song of “I Will”. Again zoning out and completely missing “Bread Alone” coming back in for “Pray”, I’m just not compelled by the songs here. “Man in the Middle” is a great song, a little Dio-esque somehow and probably the best of the lot.

 Dangerously Close seems to contain a more progressive sound to me than that of Christian rock frontrunners, Stryper. The songs one on one are quite good in a mix or playlist and while I want to like it I find that the songs of Dangerously Close just can’t hold my attention for the whole album. I should state that this has nothing to do with the messages contained therein.
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