“FORGIVENESS” By Blunt Blade

Hailing from the windswept plains of southeast Minnesota, an artist has emerged whose music goes beyond convention, genre, and expectation. Blunt Blade, a multi-instrumentalist whose roots are as deep as his discography is rich, makes a return with his sophomore album, “Forgiveness.” It is a bold cinematic experience, refusing to be boxed into any single sound. Released under Sharpening Stone Records and mixed at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, this seven-track opus defies classification, interweaving progressive rock, electronic, and alternative music, orchestral arrangements, and even classical and disco elements into a single emotionally cohesive and gripping narrative.  It’s not just an album, it’s a journey through personal struggle, catharsis, and ultimately, fragile healing.

Reading like a textbook in self-discipline and exploration, Blunt Blade’s musical history is unparalleled. A true sonic polyglot, he began singing in early childhood, mastered the piano by the age of 7, picked up the guitar at 15, and later acquired proficiency on the bass and drums as well. His early band, Chainsaw Vendetta (previously Chainsaw Vasectomy), offered a glimpse into his future loud, genre-bending, and unafraid to challenge norms. Blunt Blade draws inspiration from Frank Zappa, Tool, Dream Theater, Tame Impala, Radiohead, Talking Heads, and even Miles Davis. He is an artist who devours sound and gives it back to the world, shaped by his unique voice and an expansive mosaic.

The title of the first track, “Sprawling,” lasts over ten minutes. Its slow, atmospheric intro showcases spaced out layers of synths, ambient sounds, and symphonic rock, painting a vivid landscape for the listener. Then, the track shifts into a darker and heavier sound as sharp guitars cut through and drums shift to a quicker tempo. Lyrically, it sounds more philosophical, reflecting existential dread, experiencing a downfall, and suffering, but hints at a glimmer of light in the end. Additionally, “Sprawling” doesn’t abide by a traditional structure as it follows a narrative arc and morphs through different moods and motifs. The final coda is haunting, yet strangely hopeful, a theme that recurs throughout the album.

The second track, “Justified,” contrasts sharply with its predecessor. In this track, the rhythm becomes more direct with punchy beats as electronic rock and driving guitars mix, creating sharper melodies. It is a song about moral blurriness, clarity, and the justification of one’s choices. Deep baritone vocals feature more boldly, giving the track a grounded feel it while still balanced production stays sharp. Although this track is shorter than “Sprawling,” it is equally impactful.

Following this tension is “Helpless,” a track that is moody and near minimalist in hue. The volume has been dialed down, but not the intensity. A sparse piano line opens the track, which bears the mark of Blunt Blade’s classical background by growing into strings and gentler percussion. This is one of the most vulnerable pieces on the album, a lament for lost control and a plea for understanding. Its truest cinematic form evokes late-night solitude tinged with unresolved grief. There’s a purity in its restraint, allowing the listener to breathe and be emotionally immersed at the same time.

Then there is “Hinderance,” the return of preposterousness. This is Blunt Blade’s most prog-rock inspired track, packed with intricate time signatures, brutal guitar riffs, and sudden tempo shifts. It feels as if a battle is being waged while scuba diving. There is some weight pulling down while some forces are trying to lift, and a musical tug-of-war is a battle between forward momentum and stasis. There’s a certain theater-ish vibe to it, too. Muse, but more early, and coupled with Soundgarden’s frenetic pulse. The chaos is ridden with confidence, which allows for the calm to be felt as dissonance and cadence. The title, of course, hints at obstacles, both internal and external, and points to self-sabotage.

“The Journey to Hope/Esperanza” commences with gentle strings and soft synths. This track stands out as a true emotional release. It evolves gradually like a sunrise into a powerful fusion of rock and orchestral music. The title serves as an emotional pivot point of the album. It marks a transition for a listener from the meditative depth of previous tracks towards something more illuminated. English and Spanish titles serve as a reminder of the universality of hope. While feeling hopeful, the listener isn't entirely swept away. The lingering weight in the sound remains, but now it suggests a sense of hope and possibility.

The lightheartedness of it is once more put at stake in “Careless Acts,” which centers around regret and confrontation. Examined in this track are the consequences that stem from thoughtless decisions with shaking basslines, haunting synths, and lyric delivery that cuts with precision. Blunt Blade’s melodic sophistication shines through, even with the raw and unrelenting nature this piece possesses. The production’s mastery in blending intensity with clarity speaks to the professional mixing and mastering done at Abbey Road. “We burn down bridges before we ever cross them.” The phrase captures the essence of the track’s chorus, which is gut-punching in meaning yet catchy in phrasing.

The last track of the album is titled “Forgiveness.” It serves as a mirror to “Sprawling” but is more introspective. The atmosphere is solemn, yet not desolate. Slowly, Blunt Blade’s soft vocals speak of releasing pain, confronting guilt, and daring to forgive while a gentle piano piece carries the weight of the past six tracks. His baritone voice is in the spotlight due to the quiet elegance of the orchestration. The concluding moments of the track are hushed, as if holding its breath. There is no dramatic high point or resolution, but suspended on an open-ended stillness suggesting: “Forgiveness is never final. It’s a process. It’s a beginning.” The brilliance of “Forgiveness” lies not only within the writing and music, but the production quality. Gordon Davidson mixed the album, and Alex Wharton mastered it at the famous Abbey Road Studios. The album has sonic clarity, which allows every texture from the electronic flourishes to the string arrangements to breathe and shimmer. Under the watchful eye of producer Aaron Ruppert at Sharpening Stone Records, the album strikes a remarkable balance between grandiosity and closeness.

Recognition for Blunt Blade is increasing. Blunt Blade is an aural vortex with an abundance of skilled creativity. Praise like “His music cannot be labeled… it is the result of many influences wisely organized by this extraordinary artist” is common. So is this from EDM Rekords: “He offers a chance to discover those untapped grounds of melodic creations that are unmatched by any other artist we’ve ever experienced.” What we see here are not empty words but rather a description of someone whose work is unapologetically redefining the contours of contemporary artistry. Anyone in the world can listen to “Forgiveness” on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, and other major digital music platforms. Whether you’re into ambient rock, progressive experimentation, electronic storytelling, or lyrical depth, this album has something for you.

Through the lens of “Forgiveness,” one can see the artistry of Blunt Blade beyond just a musician label, as an emotional composer of sorts. The perfection of introspection in this album is masterfully integrated between genres. It embraces the more gruesome parts of the human experience, like pain, confusion, and guilt, but it does not abandon us there. Healing is offered without escaping reality, and instead traversing through the trying parts of existence. Amid the sea of easily digestible singles and forgettable lines, this album is a treasure to those willing to feel and think deeply.

Written by Manuel