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Writer's pictureSammie Starr

Album Review: blacktoothed - 'JULI'

Unique Leipzig-based rock outfit, blacktoothed release widely-dimensional and vulnerable second album, JULI via Arising Empire.


Leipzig's rock-based outfit blacktoothed came bursting onto the scene in 2018 with their debut release Seeker, proving they could be solid contenders in the rock industry with their kaleidoscopic take on the music genre. While the band has certainly been through a long history as a multi-genre rock four piece, blacktoothed is celebrating a new era and new material.


"Gorgeously subdued, atmospheric, and pop-infused track "Tidal Wave" crashes onto the shores of our hearts and makes us feel the lyrical hit from start to finish, making it one of the impressive displays on the record.

Creatively blending heavy 80's metal dominance offset with the softness of catchy pop hooks and immersive EDM soundscapes, blacktoothed has not only entered the scene under a new name but new energy as well with their new album release, JULI. Genre dimensions and lyrical depth overflow, combining a wide range of stylistic elements with vulnerability and honesty that challenges mental health and the concept of empathy. Working with the musical brilliance of Annisokay's guitarist Christoph Wieczorek and Julian Breucker at Sawdust Recordings Studio, the dynamics are showcased in ways we have not experienced before, showing blacktoothed in diverse and top-form.


JULI starts with a distinctive hard-rock gem, "If You Wanna Say So." With gorgeously done 80's guitarwork and shredding solos intertwining with a contemporary flair of today's rock nuances, it gets the ball rolling for the other moments that shine on this record.


Gorgeously subdued, atmospheric, and pop-infused track "Tidal Wave" crashes onto the shores of our hearts and makes us feel the lyrical hit from start to finish, making it one of the impressive displays on the record. Other impactful junctures such as "Between You & The World" continue to bring the lyrical dexterity that was capitalized on with the last track, making emotions very high at this point of the journey.


Solemn yet high-octane track "Body Bag" is another catchy and technically instrumentally successful track on this album. Saying that each band member plays their parts to a ten on this album is an understatement, as most of the experiences up to this point have shown blacktoothed's progression not only as musicians but their ability to tell stories with poignant resonance. "Seasons" is another heavy and EDM-infused number that continues to show the confidence and growth the band has amassed since their 2018 release.


JULI ends with a celestial experience, "JULI." Very different from the rest of the tracks we have heard, it's a small, fresh, and beautiful encounter that concludes our album adventure.


JULI is immersive, bold, and even, at times, intense, bringing a widely mesmerizing yet dynamic genre scope to their sound combined with well-written lyricism. This is a solid second release for the up-and-coming multi-genre rock band with room to grow. While only time will tell, JULI proved for Blacktoothed that although long journeys can be tiresome, the reward is worth the wait.


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