Baleful Creed – ‘Seismic Shifter’

Baleful Creed, from Belfast, N.I., formed in 2009, initially playing covers, during jam sessions, which soon became originals, influenced by Black Sabbath, Danzig and Fireball Ministry. At the end of that year, their debut EP, ‘Killing Time’, was released, followed by ‘Buried Beneath’, in 2011 and ‘111’, in 2012. These 2 EP’s were merged, re-mixed and re-mastered into a debut self titled album, released at the end of 2013. Within this album are the heavy guitar sounds, hard edged bluesy vocals and melodic songs, with strong bass and drum back-ups the bands’ ambitions were driving them towards. Out of this sound came the massive stoner rock emphasis which characterises B.C. From the latter part of 2014, B.C. were out touring the album, with energetic live gigs and creating new material for the next album. Throughout 2016, the guys were writing and recording, in preparation for the current album, ‘Seismic Shifter’, released this month. The new sound which has emerged is one of even heavier emphasis, guaranteed to excite and deliver.

Devil’s Side – Intriguing intro sound effects and seguing into it gradually, before the deep, grungy grooves and crunching riffs come into play. Opening up nicely, into a classic stoner sound and some ‘Tallica type stop start sections, with a tasty blues edge. Effortless rhythm, well-placed drum rolls, smooth, consistent bass back up and a pleasant fade out. Promising start, with an appetising feel.

Memento Mori – Instant, hard hitting, punchy intro. Apt title, given the immediacy of that highly memorable melody. Full of just the kind of hooks and catches you want in an album such as this. Really visual, catchy and simultaneously rock heavy and uplifting, in the most perfect way. There’s nothing to dislike here and everything to like. Ending on a confident, quick, impacting riff; job done. Got the flavour of this album now and it tastes good.

Levy – Massive crunching intro, reminding me of Trucker Diablo and the like. There’s actually a slight Clutch beat to this aswell and you’ve just got to love that harmonica section). This here is how you do blues rock. My only complaint? It ends too soon.

God’s Fear – Oh Yeah! Now that’s an intro and a half. A class act in itself. It’s got that gorgeous rolling, rumbling hard blues feel you could just climb aboard and ride along on. Again, that T.D. emphasis that just carries you away with it, on a groove edged wave of irresistible rhythm. Some well tasty bits of slide guitar in there and generally, just packed with awesome.

Grind – Another absolute ace! Devour it whole and then go back for seconds. Frankly, with a title like this, you’d expect nothing less. One of the catchiest, most memorable riffs and melodies ever. Pure pro. You’re just gonna drown in those heavenly riffs. Actually, they remind me of those on …… well, actually, I tried to hunt the track down, but couldn’t find it, so it’s something on The Crobar album. Good enough, for those in the know.

Faux Celebrity – Oh that’s one exciting riff intro. This is one meaty album and that’s a fact. Really catchily sing along track, filled with great emphatic lyrics to which we, in today’s instant celeb culture, can all relate. The riffs really come into play, big time, here and that’s cos, let me tell you, they rock hard. Unmistakeable flare for fun driven riffs. Dig into this for some straight out escapism.

Walking Wounded – Nicely down-tuned bass intro and those vocals are pure addiction. Sexy clean lines of dyed in the wool hard, heavy, blues edged rock. A real classic rock feel to this melody and you’ll hear loads of ideally chosen old school influences in there, with a fresh take you’ll want to return to again and again. The spice of life lies right here. Fans of Whitesnake’s ‘Slow and Easy’ will love this to death.

Lose Religion – Brilliant catchy riff and vocal intro. It’s got immediate appeal and it won’t be long till it’s stuck in your head forever. Such lively energy and pizzazz. It’s one of those songs that was just waiting in the wings for a band as skilled and impassioned as this to bring it to life. Just a natural rock song, brought home, at last.

Forgiven – Good to hear the drums take centre stage here, in this track, especially at the intro. They really bring out the vocals that much more and the vocals themselves are sheer effortless pro, born to rock. The track’s sung with such conviction, you’ll feel it so strongly. It just pours out of him, in spades and that’s why this guy was born to sing blues rock. A voice of true grit and feeling.

The Wolf – Gorgeously sexy start, in that smoothly delivered way that just melts out of the mic and right into your heart. Guitars and vocals are in total sync, in the most magical way. It’s an utter delight. This has so much metal purity, beauty and steaming sensuality within it, it’s almost inexpressible. You don’t need words. Just go listen.

Overall – A magnum opus of arrestingly magnificent, majestic rock treasure. This is what true rock is made of. Go get some.

10/10 **********

For fans of Trucker Diablo, The Answer, Clutch, The Obsessed, Obey and every top notch, high class blues rock band with the X Factor you’ve ever heard.

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Out May 2017.