Bloodletter - Leave the light behind

 My review on Bloodletter - Leave the light behind

Release : July 25th , 2025
Label      : Wise Blood Records    
Origin     : Chicago , Illinois
Rating    : At the end


Bloodletter Sharpen the Blade – and Cut Deep with Leave the Light Behind

Formed in Chicago back in 2012, Bloodletter have spent over a decade refining a sound that fuses the razor-sharp attack of thrash with the melodic depth of death metal. Across releases like Under the Dark Mark (2018), Funeral Hymns (2020), and A Different Kind of Hell (2023), the band have carved out a loyal following in the underground — known for their blistering energy, tight execution, and dark, no-nonsense songwriting.

Their latest release, Leave the Light Behind — out via Wise Blood Records — marks a new high point. Clocking in at just over 35 minutes, it’s a tightly packed display of melody, aggression, and atmosphere — all delivered with surgical precision.

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I’ve never been a big fan of thrash, but when Leave the Light Behind got recommended, I got curious. And what I found was a fierce and focused blend of melodic deathmetal and thrash that hits hard from start to finish.

The album has a sharp, in-your-face energy that never lets up. The guitar work is a real standout , full of ripping solos and tight, melodic riffing that gives the songs both character and staying power. While the music is undeniably catchy, there’s a darker undertone running through the whole thing, even touching on the atmospheric at times.

It’s also technically impressive. Everything feels tightly executed, and the band clearly knows how to keep things punchy without slipping into chaos. The vocals, though intense and fitting, do stay in one lane across the record — some variation would have added extra depth. Still, they get the job done.

Standout tracks like “Call of the Deep One”, “Eternal Winter”, and “Hunting Horror” really showcase the band’s ability to balance aggression, melody, and atmosphere in a way that pulls you in.

All told, this album was a welcome surprise , a razor-sharp release that proves thrash, when fused with the right elements of melodeath and mood, can absolutely hit the mark.


Rating : 8/10

Proof that when Bloodletter swing the blade, it doesn’t just cut — it carves their name into the genre.



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