BLOODGOOD – Dangerously Close [Limited Edition remastered +1] (2021) *0dayrox Exclusive*

BLOODGOOD, one of the most respected hard rock / white metal bands from the ’80s scene, almost
twenty years after disbanded, in 2013 emerged unexpectedly to release their sixth studio album, ”Dangerously Close.”
You might think after so long a break the band could’ve lost some grip, but always commended by founder / bassist Michael Bloodgood and songwriter / vocalist Les Carlsen BLOODGOOD delivered one of the best albums form their career. Including Stryper guitarist Oz Fox on guitars, the album pounds out anthems with a melodic-hard feeling.
BLOODGOOD is still active, and as the original press of ”Dangerously Close” has become out of print, Carlsen & Co are releasing a 2021 Limited Edition of the album, remastered (and with some songs remixed), including a previously unreleased bonus track, and new artwork.

Original members Michael Bloodgood and Les Carlsen remain along with longtime drummer Kevin Whistler / guitarist Paul Jackson, added to the line up guitarist Oz Fox of Stryper fame, providing some killer solos.
As usual vocalist Les Carlson gives the band their charm and charisma. Les exhibits a high but raspy vocals style that is uniquely his own. There is no mistaking Les for some other singer. His voice, phrasing and charisma are endearing.

The music of “Dangerously Close” is focused on mid to latter Bloodgood period, leaning heavier melodic hard rock (one of the band’s albums was already featured on this blog, look in ‘Labels’).
You’ll note the ’80s hard rockin’ inspired melodies on tunes like “Lamb of God”, the bouncy “Pray” or the darker “Man in the Middle”. Things more akin to white metal come with “Run the Race”, the groovy “In The Trenches” and “Child on Earth”. Some of these might remind longtime fans of earlier material.

Then, with “Bread Alone” there’s something more heavier with melting solos and modernized harmony vocals that work very well. You get one solid, bluesy ballad with “Father Father”, however, more so with “Crush Me”, a lighter acoustically layered short number.

“Dangerously Close” may very well be one of the best from Bloodgood. Of course it’s hard to overcome nostalgia. Those old 80s albums will always hold a special place, but “Dangerously Close” is a great addition to the Bloodgood catalog.
And for those who have some disdain for ‘white metal’ bands and their message, let me tell you this album ROCKS; it’s full of very strong classic American Melodic Hard Rock in the traditional (late ’80s) vein of the genre.
Highly Recommended

You’ve seen it first at 0dayrox

01 – Lamb Of God
02 – Run Away
03 – Child On Earth
04 – I Will
05 – Bread Alone
06 – Pray
07 – I Can Hold On
08 – Run The Race
09 – Father Father
10 – Man In The Middle
11 – Crush Me
12 – In The Trenches
Reissue BONUS TRACK:
13 – The Word

Les Carlsen – Lead Vocals
Oz Fox (Stryper) – Guitars
Paul Jackson – Guitars
Michael Bloodgood – Bass
Kevin Whisler – Drums

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www.nordicmission.net/products/bloodgood-dangerously-close-cd-pre-order