Bleeding Through - 'Nine' - Album Review

BACKGROUND. Of all bands that are still active in 2025, very few have done as much for the metalcore genre as a whole, as Bleeding Through. Somehow, all line-up changes on the guitar front, frequent breaks from music and touring, and certain label confrontations did not stop them, and more importantly, did not change their sound even the slightest. And we are not talking about generic sound, but an established and iconic trademark, as dark and ominous as ever, accompanying the rich legacy and reputation that now preceds their hugely anticipated new ninth album.

BAND. Formed all the way back in 1999, Bleeding Through shaped the early metalcore scene to their liking, giving it a certain blackened flavour, cinematic grandeur and orchestral allure that would later influence dozens of other acts, not to mention the deathcore scene as a whole. Through ups and down, Bleeding Through found their way to SharpTone Records of all places, a label known for pushing the boundaries of the genre outwards rather than focusing on the roots inwards. The unlikely match, however, seems to be paying off tremendously, initially with Love Will Kill All (2018) and now after yet another prolonged but fruitful break, with their latest gem Nine.

ALBUM. The record is absolutely everything one would expect from Bleeding Through in 2025. It echoes the distant past, embraces their more recent efforts and channels that same signature sound into the uncertain future. Nine is brooding, menacing, mysterious, uncanny, all in balanced measures and not taking away the raw intensity and extremity of its solid metalcore foundation. The record jumps from ceremonious infernal passages into gallopping hardcore frenzy without hesitation, shifting moods and pace with that typical Bleeding Through flair, and narrowly but successfully avoiding predictable genre pitfalls.

SONGS. From 'Gallows' to 'Unholy Armada', Nine is a fitting tale of death, defiance and destruction. All promo singles are mixed in well, but the likes of 'Death But So Alive' and 'Path Of Our Disease' still remain more imposing that the rest with the exception of the anthemic 'Lost In Isolation' with the mighty OGs God Forbid. Speaking of strong features, Bleeding Through are also joined by Shadows Fall on 'War Time' and Comeback Kid on 'I Am Resistance' as if not intimidating enough on their own, but really elevating both of the unmissable bangers to another level in what is already an exemplary metalcore anthology.

FUTURE. Nine is a must-spin, not just for Bleeding Through fans, but for metalcore appreciators in general. It is for all those of us who witnessed the 'core' sound being shaped by bands like Bleeding Through, and then grew up with that unbreakable love for the scene. Only time will tell if there will be a Ten as well, but for now we should be thrilled to have Nine and take as a symbolic farewell gift for all those who stuck around through the years.

Bleeding Through - 'Nine'

Country: United States

Relased: 14 February

Label: SharpTone Records

Tracklisting:

1. Gallows

2. Our Brand Is Chaos

3. Dead But So Alive

4. Hail Destruction

5. Lost In Isolation (ft. God Forbid)

6. Last Breath

7. Path Of Our Desease

8. I Am Resistance (ft. Comeback Kid)

9. Emery

10. War Time (ft. Shadows Fall)

11. Unholy Armada