Thirty seconds into Blood and Time, two things become immediately apparent: first, that this is a brutally stark and honest record, at times painfully so; and second, that this is one of the best records you didn't hear in 2003.

Anyone in the know will know that Blood and Time is the pet project of Neurosis guitarist Scott Kelly, and this is immediately obvious; this is the equivalent of an acoustic based Neurosis record, which is a large part of its appeal. Neurosis are known for creating loud and large soundscapes and brutally honest, if angry, lyrical imagery. Blood and Time's music carries that same darkness, but with elegance and pathos; this is the music your favorite rocker makes when he or she is alone in his/her house. This is true of the lyrics as well; though not necessarily poetic, the words are a direct communication with the listener, revealing sadness and loss, with a hint of hope for what might come, but rooted (and often drowning) in memory.

This is one of the most stark, honest records you are likely to hear, with melodic builds and rhythms written by someone with a thorough understanding of how to speak through song. It's a good thing Kelly brought this out of the basement, as this record contains a brutal introspection missing from the whiney, psuedo-introspective songwriters of our time.

-Todd Berry