Before I get into things, I’m taking a new route with my reviews—going for more of an overview approach rather than breaking each song down individually. The goal is to keep things fresh, clean, and avoid repeating myself too much.

This is an album I can happily say I’ve been waiting for all year, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. With Bloedmaan’s previous debut album Castle Inside The Eclipse being so damn good.. honestly, one of the best releases in the Immortal Frost roster—my anticipation for this album was extremely high. I’m very happy to say it delivered on all fronts.

After giving this album a good few spins, I feel confident putting my thoughts forward into this review.

There are 8 tracks on the album, ranging from 2 to 7 minutes. I’ll go over a few of my favourite moments and tracks, then give an overall rating and comparison to the previous album.

Intro

A really cool introduction that sets the tone perfectly for the Castlevania-inspired themes. It starts with subtle, background static noise before the piano and sinister guitar quietly fade in, gradually growing into something truly eerie. In my opinion, this intro sets the tone for the album brilliantly.

Track 2: Vampyric War In Blood

When I was getting excited for the new Bloedmaan album, this is exactly the kind of song I had painted in my head. No messing around.. straight into that signature guitar tone, creating razor-sharp melodies that propel the song forward with full force.

Hearing the album open with the intro and then flow straight into this track gave me goosebumps and instantly raised my expectations for the rest of the album. I really like how the drums move between blast beats and a more kick-and-snare-driven rhythm, changing the tempo nicely and making way for the tremolo-picked melodies.

The section at 3:37, where the fast-driven pace drops into a slower, “fist-pump” tempo, was fantastic. The latter half of the song hosts a lot of very cool, perfectly fitting guitar passages, mainly played on the higher strings.

Favourite Track: Return of Castlevania

This is, without a doubt, Bloedmaan at their peak. I’m super stoked on how well the main melody shines through such a dense mix.

What I really like about this song is how the verses feature multiple guitar layers playing simultaneously. The chord progressions are very clear and tie the tremolo-picked parts together beautifully. This trait, in my opinion, is very distinct in Rönarg’s guitar playing.

A major highlight for me starts at 3:05, when the soundscape briefly subsides into near silence. The kick drum then enters one hit at a time, summoning a true black metal marching rhythm—kick, kick, kick, kick—before a subtle guitar melody joins in. It creates an atmosphere that any Castlevania fan will appreciate. When the full crescendo finally erupts, all layers are brought forward and hit you harder than a Belmont whip.

Second Favourite Track: Commander of Spectral Forces

I particularly enjoyed this track because it takes a noticeably different approach compared to most Bloedmaan songs—and one I think they executed very well.

The main feel of the song is bittersweet but leaning toward the uplifting side. This is largely due to the guitar work, which is more methodical and “free.” There are no super-fast riffs or tremolo-picked passages—just solid chord progressions with tasteful harmonies layered throughout.

The vocals on this track are probably my favourite on the album, mainly because they sit so clearly in the mix. With less going on musically, you can really hear every detail of each growl and scream. The drums are also nicely done, maintaining a strong backbone without being overly complicated—mostly simple 4/4 patterns with some tasteful cymbal work here and there.

Overall

After eagerly waiting for this album since it was announced and listening to it multiple times (both through speakers and headphones), I’d give Vampyric War In Blood a solid 9/10.

This is exactly what I expect from a Bloedmaan release—a band I highly respect. Every aspect of the album hit high marks for me: plenty of atmosphere, loads of razor-sharp guitar attacks, and drums that once again provide a perfect foundation for the album’s dynamic layers. The vocals, as always, cut through the mix like Alucard’s sword.

I also really like how each song goes in its own direction while maintaining a consistent tone throughout the album. Nothing feels “samey.”

When comparing this album to Castle of the Eclipse, I’ll be honest—I think I still slightly prefer the debut. That said, it doesn’t take away from how strong this release is. If anything, this album feels darker in approach, which I’m completely on board with.

Vampyric War In Blood is an excellent addition to the Bloedmaan catalogue, and I already can’t wait to hear what comes next.