Bleed & Scream

Bleed & Scream is Eclipse's fourth album, on which the band began to hit its stride, refining the sound heavier and more modern. Tying sharpened hooks and weighty riffs at high density, it defines a modern melodic-rock direction. The title track "Bleed & Scream," which also became the band's first official video, vividly symbolizes the album's character, balancing aggression with catchiness. Many critics cite it as the turning point where the modern Eclipse sound crystallized. "Battlegrounds" in particular, with a Celtic, lyrical melody recalling Gary Moore, is a key song showing the buds of the distinctive style Eclipse would go on to perfect. From the drive of the opener "Wake Me Up" and the dramatic balladry of "A Bitter Taste" to the power-metal aggression of "Take Back the Fear," songs of wide range line up. Erik Mårtensson's singing and Magnus Henriksson's guitar grow still sharper, and the production is markedly strengthened. It is an accomplished work announcing that the band had entered its trajectory toward a breakthrough.