Vision Of Disorder were a band who always seemed to be ahead of their time and unfortunately the risks they took never managed to pay off for them. Nearly every album they released resulted in a new record label horror story, making it sad but understandable that the door on them has finally been shut. Having been given a few years to lick their wounds, former frontman Tim Williams and guitarist Mike Kennedy have now returned and are making another go at it with bloodsimple.; the first band to be signed to Bullygoat/Warner, the new imprint label headed up by Mudvayne vocalist Chad Gray (who also makes a cameo on the track "Falling Backwards".)

Rounding out their line-up with former Downset. drummer Chris Hamilton, Kyle Sanders of Medication fame and guitarist Nick Rowe, bloodsimple. are a modern-metal powerhouse who look set to capitalize on the strengths of its members past projects while also updating them with a more commercial appeal. Featuring stellar production values rich with subtle dynamic flourishes, the chugging metal on hand here is honed to a razor sharp edge.

When riled up the group bring to mind Vision Of Disorder firing on all cylinders with a polished modern sheen. Bulky riffs with ample chug jolt the songs forth while Williams shouts and croons out a veritable balancing act of tempered ferocity and vulnerable emotion - the latter of which is most readily apparent in the handful of slow-paced numbers included. To be sure much experimentation is attempted during these slower moments with acoustic textures and towering choruses, and while the approach is generally progressive, it is also quite noticeably commercially-oriented as well.

But while their intentions for success can be prevalent on more than one occasion, their sense of heart and undeniable hunger gracefully carry them through. Unfortunately though, the amount of production based polish and slick overdubs can be blinding at times, giving the material an overanalyzed feel as a stiff regiment of clockwork-like precision is implemented. Still, if ever there were ever a chance for members of a band as unfortunately mistreated as Vision Of Disorder was, "A Cruel World" is it. A stunningly well executed display of contemporary prowess and malevolent intent that is sure to keep many coming back for more.