This is the second album from one-man Swedish doom metal band Blissful Stream.
I really like Blissful Stream’s personable take on doom metal. If you’re unfamiliar with the project, make sure you also check out Ascending Demons, Devil’s Night to All Souls, Dead Religious, and When the Wolves Start to Circle – all in, just over an hour of quality tuneage.
After the artist’s biggest gap between releases Fighting for the Cross brings us 41 minutes of new material – Blissful Stream’s longest release yet, and it features the band’s longest songs too. This new album allows the artist behind Blissful Stream to really show off his talents. The songs breathe into their creative spaces in unhurried ways, and every second of Fighting for the Cross just drips with emotive presence and pure passionate devotion to the doom metal gods.
Based on the traditional doom metal formula, these songs are well-crafted and built from sturdy, time-tested materials. The riffs are charismatic and instantly engaging, and it’s clear that thought and care has gone into their selection. The drums are organic and warm, conspiring with the understated bass to provide a strong foundation for the songs to rest upon. The vocals are well-delivered and confident, and work well with the rest of the music to deliver hooks and catchiness.
Fighting for the Cross is a textured release that’s easy to absorb if you’re a fan of the style. All of the obvious stylistic reference points are in place, and Fighting for the Cross succeeds rather than fails due to the sheer quality of the delivery, signwriting, and execution. The music’s mixture of instant-appeal strengths and mood-based atmosphere is compelling, and has resulted in Blissful Stream’s best work yet.
On Fighting for the Cross I feel that Blissful Stream’s music has come into its own. All of the rampant promise of the past has been fulfilled. If you’re a fan of the style, then this is an essential listen.
Wonderbox Metal 