I received this CD over 2 weeks ago. Since then, it has only left my car (where I listen to music the most) once, which was when I brought it inside to write this review. I can't really tell you how many times I have listened to it over and over without skipping any songs. That's a really amazing feat for me - even on my favorite bands' CDs, I tend to skip a song or two. On Stemm: Blood Scent, I like every single song.
The CD starts off with its heaviest songs first. "Blood Soaked" and "House of Cards" are both very strong openings. The music is very heavy, reminding me of the classic metal that I love with heavy guitars, strong bass, and fast drums. The vocals are heavy, but you can still understand all of the words. I hate having to go to the CD liner just to try and understand what a vocalist is saying. Of course, it's really good that I can understand it since the CD liner lyrics are a bit difficult to read. I love the way the end of their Cover of "Wish," originally by NIN, blended right into "Beneath My Skin." If you're going to cover a song, you had better either make it at least as good as the original or make it your own, like Tori Amos did in covering Slayer's "Reign in Blood." Granted, Stemm doesn't change the song very much, but they still manage to make it their own by blending an ending to it into their own song. "Beneath My Skin" is my favorite song on the album, which is weird for me since I usually prefer the heaviest songs. It has such a smooth sound though that I love it. There is also an acoustic cover of "Beneath My Skin" as a hidden track at the end of "Casualty For Prayer." Personally, the acoustic version is my least favorite song on the album, not to mention I don't care for hidden tracks. It's just quiet time that I don't like fast-forwarding through. You shouldn't have to fast-forward a CD!
As I said before, I have enjoyed every song on the CD. Even my least favorite song is still very good. If you like metal, any kind of metal, I am betting you will enjoy Stemm. If you get the chance, these guys are currently on tour, so if they come anywhere near you, go see them! You can listen to the music at their site on myspace, so go check them out now.
