Entry 050 - 1914 - The Blind Leading the Blind

 

1914 are not the first band to write about World War 1, and the are likely not the last. They may however be the best at that particular subject matter within metal.

Blind Leading the Blind is a melodic tinged blackened death metal album plain and simple. The songs are on the longer side but never overstay their welcome. In fact, the songs feel more compelling being a bit longer - a recollection of stories that happened during the Great War.

The music is enhanced by little touches throughout. A speech given by a general to solders about to go into battle; the intro/outro to the album sounds like a period piece recorded in 1914, and there are additional instrument added in sparingly to bring just a touch more class to the record.

I'm not the biggest fan of the vocals, they are standard death/black metal fare. Compared to the high quality of the instrumentation they just feel a bit lacking in comparison. That said, Blind Leading the Blind is an excellent album, one that warrants its long run time.