First Blood's pedigree will likely precede them as band frontman Carl Schwartz's time spent as Terror's bassist will surely raise a few eyebrows. Beyond that though, if anything should make a first impression for the band, it is the unwavering intensity that permeates and subsequently powers the raging metalcore assault captured on "Killafornia", their debut bow for Trustkill.

At face value this is the same tough guy metalcore album you've heard done by the likes of Terror, Hatebreed and about 3000 or so others. But sometimes a band doesn't need to be entirely unique to actually succeed. First Blood are one of these rare few exceptions, utilizing a very keen metal sense of timing within their chugging riffs and unrelenting waves of breakdowns and gang shouted choruses.

With a balance mixture of hardcore aggression and metal shredding, the base work is set for a do or die performance and more often than not Schwartz and co. spare no expense. This is where First Blood excel as the conviction and dedication behind their craft, particularly in the vocals, is absolutely crushing. Factor in that nearly every chorus is gang shouted and is easily picked up on with a generally grim message and you have yet another reason to keep your knuckles bloody and your fists pumping.