Cold Blue Mountain: Old Blood

For as chill of a landscape as their name conveys, Cold Blue Mountain is actually a band with complex depth in their sonic barrage of resounding riff- and-feel-heavy tunes, which is particularly evident on their new Old Blood record.

Formed in Chico, CA, Cold Blue Mountain’s sound has clearly evolved: the band’s debut, self-titled 2013 EP played like a hot drive through a blast of raucous, all-purpose “heavy” that told of a band more interested in groove and pummel than writing to a “theme.”

But on Old Blood, the quartet seems to have affected their sound with some wide-hearted, post-Metal moments and highbrow themes that encapsulate the record:

“The album is about a group of people whose homeland was taken over by an opposing force some years ago,” said Cold Blue Mountain drummer Daniel Taylor. “Most of the inhabitants have just grown complacent with their lives under the rule of this foreign body—so much so to the point that they have almost forgotten who they were.”

Although Cold Blue Mountain’s musical terrain has been augmented, Old Blood proves the band hasn’t forgotten who they are, as they still have their roots firmly planted in their own musical identity: the opening track, “Seed of Dissent,” is an opus of sorts, where vocalist Brandon Squyres’ signature high-throat incantations ride atop harmony-heavy riffs, as delivered by guitarists Sesar Sanchez and Will McGahan. Although the percussive work on Old Blood is a little kinder than what was heard on Cold Blue Mountain’s self-titled debut, all aligns perfectly with their new musical direction, and underscores the record’s dynamic qualities.

“New Alliances” is an appropriately titled song for a band who, on Old Blood, seems to be pulling from some of the softer terrain in their musical cache, which may include a little ISIS, a little Pelican, and even some Cave In. “Strongest Will” and “Retreat” are two of the record’s most dynamic and driven songs, with a low-end that calls up the deep and unhinged, but with undeniable refinement.

Old Blood houses the sounds of a band that is maturing, shaping and honing their music around new experiences and writing processes that have rounded their corners, while retaining an underlining intensity that gives Cold Blue Mountain their unique musical qualities.

Produced and mixed by Chris Keene at Cutters Cathedral and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, Old Blood is was released via Halo of Flies Records.

You can keep up with what Cold Blue Mountain has going on by visiting their Facebook.com page at www.Facebook.com/ColdBlueMountain, as well as their BandCamp.com page at ColdBlueMountain.BandCamp.com.