It was only natural for me to follow Mio after the ungraceful implosion of NAZARE, so to say that I’ve been a little curious about BLAZE isn’t a lie. I forgot to buy their first album and that one never surfaced on streaming services, so I’m glad we get a second chance at it with DETERMINATIONS. It’s not as heavy and insane as NAZARE and it feels more in line with what the rest of the scene considers heavy. I’m gonna miss those messy 8-string sweeps.
I’m also going to assume that this was remastered but it didn’t go far enough. IDK about you but the mix feels a little flat to me. The only member that really stands out of the mix is Mio. The guitars are just begging to pop a little more. I also wish I could hear the bass more. That bass solo in GOSH is too short. Who is playing bass anyway?
Mio makes weird noises and this pleases me. He’s trying some new techniques here that I haven’t heard before. I still think the chorus of MAYDAY is a little weird, but now I am certain it’s intentional. I don’t know if the album lives up to the NAZARE hype but BLAZE has bought themselves another release or two.