Providence, Rhode Island quintet Howl is certainly not the most uplifting group in the metal scene. Since 2007, they have put themselves out as a band whose formula is to combine the slow violence and melodies of sludge metal with tinges of doom and stoner, as first shown in their debut EP in 2008 under the group?s name. Howl unleashed their debut full-length album ?Full of Hell? in 2010. Later on, the band underwent a few lineup shifts, and three years after the release of the previous record, it was about time for the group to give its audience another helping of their metallic onslaught. That album would be their second full-length record simply entitled ?Bloodlines.? In a matter of approximately forty minutes, Howl makes its return and creates a very solid and destructive specimen of sludge metal yet again. Like before, the group continues to deliver its heavy blows with dark and sludgy metal to pummel the audience. However, there is one major change that Howl has undergone that is very evident in this release: the sound production has inched away from its raw and trashy sound to a more solid and polished sound. Followers of unkind and muddy metal are recommended to this very solid record. Top it all off with some gruesomely breathtaking artwork, and you have yourself a fine piece of metal.