Tracklist:
1. Intro 02:32
2. Identity Theft 05:15
3. Beyond Repent 05:17
4. Bleeding Eye 04:47
5. Fallen Kind 03:59
6. Shallow 07:19
7. Eviscerated 02:58
8. C.O.W 03:13
9. Nightfall 04:39
10. Bleed my Soul (Pt. I) 05:41
11. Warchild 04:40
12. Tyranny of Hatred 08:15
13. Outro 02:44
**************
Total playing time 01:01:19

Label: Prime Cuts Music

A refreshing and powerful release, Pathogen’s debut album Bloodline is a tantalizing sampler of Aussie melodic death metal at it’s finest. With strong underlying influences (Opeth, late Carcass) yet never really becoming stale or stereotypical whatsoever, Pathogen really carve out their own niche in a genre that has not only been whipped, but stomped into the ground, and that says a lot about the talent of these guys.

To be honest, this was my first taste of Pathogen, despite being recommended to check them out long ago. The three years of work poured into this release is evident from the introduction – intricate and tasteful harmonies and time changes, building up into the opening track, Identity Theft. Also apparent from the band’s long hiatus between recordings is the increase in production quality, which sees every instrument shine through in a very well produced release. Mike Lenane’s vocals contrast well with the melodic and clean acoustic sections, though some may see these conflicting elements clashing at times.

My only real gripe (a minor one at that) with the album would be that it appears to come in two halves, with there being some sort of gap in the middle that doesn’t quite bridge the two together, although, this could be accredited to the standout material appearing in the first half of the cd. In any case, if you haven’t done yourself the justice of hearing Pathogen, and consider yourself a fan of melodic metal, what are you waiting for?