Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the debut album of the iconic band Bring Me The Horizon. This album marked the beginning of their incredible journey and set the stage for their evolution into one of the most influential bands in modern metal and rock. Join me as we explore the nuances, the history, and the impact of this groundbreaking record.

Unveiling "Count Your Blessings"

Count Your Blessings, released on October 30, 2006, is Bring Me The Horizon's first full-length studio album. This album is raw, aggressive, and unapologetically heavy, capturing the essence of their early sound. When you listen to Count Your Blessings, you're not just hearing an album; you're experiencing a sonic assault that defined a generation of metalcore. The album was primarily recorded in Sweden, a detail that contributed to its distinct sound. The band worked with Fredrik Nordström, a renowned producer known for his work with other prominent metal bands. This collaboration was crucial in shaping the album’s overall intensity and production quality. The recording process was intense, with the band pushing themselves to their limits to capture the energy and aggression they wanted to convey. The lyrics delve into themes of anger, frustration, and youthful rebellion, resonating with many young listeners who felt alienated and misunderstood. Tracks like "Pray for Plagues" and "For Stevie Wonder's Eyes Only (Braille)" quickly became fan favorites, showcasing the band’s technical prowess and songwriting talent. The album’s artwork, featuring stark and provocative imagery, further amplified its rebellious message. This visual representation perfectly complemented the music, creating a cohesive and impactful artistic statement. Upon its release, Count Your Blessings received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its relentless energy and technical skill, while others criticized its lack of originality and perceived lyrical shortcomings. Despite the mixed critical reception, the album was a commercial success, particularly in the UK, where it helped solidify Bring Me The Horizon’s status as a rising force in the metalcore scene. The album’s success can be attributed to its raw energy and the band’s relentless touring schedule. They played countless shows, building a dedicated fanbase that appreciated their aggressive sound and intense live performances. Count Your Blessings remains a pivotal album in Bring Me The Horizon’s discography, representing their roots and the foundation upon which they built their future success. It's a testament to their early vision and their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of metalcore. For fans and critics alike, Count Your Blessings offers a glimpse into the formative years of a band that would go on to redefine modern rock music. It stands as a powerful reminder of the band’s origins and the relentless spirit that continues to drive their creative endeavors.

The Raw Sound of Early BMTH

When you think about Bring Me The Horizon's (BMTH) early sound, it’s all about that raw, unfiltered energy. Count Your Blessings is a prime example, characterized by its aggressive instrumentation and Oli Sykes' visceral vocals. This album is heavily rooted in deathcore, a subgenre known for its intense breakdowns, guttural screams, and technical guitar work. The guitar riffs are complex and often dissonant, creating a sense of unease and chaos. The drumming is relentless, providing a solid backbone for the band’s aggressive sound. Oli Sykes' vocals are particularly striking, ranging from deep, guttural growls to high-pitched screams. His performance on Count Your Blessings is a defining feature of the album, adding to its overall intensity and aggression. Compared to their later work, the early BMTH sound is much more straightforward and less experimental. While their later albums incorporate elements of electronic music, pop, and alternative rock, Count Your Blessings is pure, unadulterated metalcore. This focus on raw aggression and technical skill is what sets their early work apart. The production quality of Count Your Blessings also contributes to its raw sound. While the album is well-produced, it retains a certain rawness that adds to its charm. The guitars are thick and heavy, the drums are punchy, and the vocals are front and center. This combination creates a sound that is both powerful and visceral. Many fans appreciate the raw sound of early BMTH because it captures a certain energy and intensity that is hard to replicate. It’s a sound that is both cathartic and exhilarating, offering a release for listeners who are drawn to aggressive music. The band’s early sound also reflects their influences, which include bands like The Dillinger Escape Plan, Norma Jean, and The Red Chord. These bands are known for their chaotic and technical approach to metal, and their influence can be heard throughout Count Your Blessings. In summary, the raw sound of early BMTH is a defining feature of their debut album. It’s a sound that is characterized by its aggressive instrumentation, visceral vocals, and a relentless energy that is hard to deny. For fans of metalcore and deathcore, Count Your Blessings is a must-listen, offering a glimpse into the band’s early years and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of heavy music.

Key Tracks and Their Impact

Let's talk about some of the key tracks from Count Your Blessings and the impact they had on the metalcore scene. Tracks like "Pray for Plagues" and "For Stevie Wonder's Eyes Only (Braille)" are iconic examples of the band's early sound. "Pray for Plagues" is arguably the most well-known song from the album. Its chaotic structure, intense breakdowns, and Oli Sykes' ferocious vocals made it an instant hit with fans. The song's music video, which features the band performing in a dimly lit room, further solidified its status as a classic. "For Stevie Wonder's Eyes Only (Braille)" is another standout track, showcasing the band’s technical prowess and their ability to blend brutality with melody. The song’s intricate guitar riffs and dynamic structure make it a favorite among musicians and fans alike. These tracks helped to define the band’s early sound and establish them as a force to be reckoned with in the metalcore scene. They also paved the way for the band’s future success, attracting a dedicated fanbase that appreciated their aggressive sound and intense live performances. The impact of these songs extends beyond the band’s fanbase. They have influenced countless other bands and musicians, helping to shape the sound of modern metalcore. Many bands have cited Bring Me The Horizon as an influence, and their impact can be heard in the music of many up-and-coming artists. In addition to their musical impact, these tracks also had a cultural impact. They resonated with many young listeners who felt alienated and misunderstood, providing a voice for their frustrations and anxieties. The band’s lyrics, which often deal with themes of anger, rebellion, and social commentary, struck a chord with many young people who were looking for an outlet for their emotions. Overall, the key tracks from Count Your Blessings had a significant impact on the metalcore scene and beyond. They helped to define the band’s early sound, establish them as a major force in the genre, and influence countless other bands and musicians. For fans of metalcore, these tracks are essential listening, offering a glimpse into the early years of one of the most influential bands of the 21st century.

Critical Reception and Fan Response

The critical reception of Count Your Blessings was mixed, but the fan response was overwhelmingly positive. Critics were divided on the album's merits, with some praising its raw energy and technical skill, while others criticized its lack of originality and perceived lyrical shortcomings. Some critics argued that the album was too derivative of other metalcore bands, while others appreciated its unadulterated aggression and intensity. Despite the mixed critical reception, the album was a commercial success, particularly in the UK, where it helped solidify Bring Me The Horizon’s status as a rising force in the metalcore scene. The band’s relentless touring schedule and their energetic live performances helped to build a dedicated fanbase that appreciated their aggressive sound and intense stage presence. The fan response to Count Your Blessings was overwhelmingly positive. Many fans appreciated the album’s raw energy and its unapologetic aggression. They were drawn to the band’s intense live performances and their willingness to push the boundaries of heavy music. The album’s lyrics, which often dealt with themes of anger, rebellion, and social commentary, also resonated with many young listeners who felt alienated and misunderstood. The band’s ability to connect with their fans on an emotional level helped to build a strong and loyal fanbase that has supported them throughout their career. Over time, Count Your Blessings has become a cult classic among metalcore fans. While it may not be the band’s most critically acclaimed album, it remains a favorite among many fans who appreciate its raw energy and its historical significance. The album represents the band’s early years and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of heavy music. In retrospect, the critical reception of Count Your Blessings is less important than its impact on the band’s career and its enduring appeal to fans. The album helped to establish Bring Me The Horizon as a major force in the metalcore scene and paved the way for their future success. It remains a testament to the band’s early vision and their unwavering commitment to their craft.

Legacy and Influence on Later BMTH Sound

Count Your Blessings holds a significant place in Bring Me The Horizon's legacy, influencing their later sound in subtle yet profound ways. While the band has evolved significantly since their debut, the album laid the groundwork for their future experimentation and success. The raw energy and aggression that defined Count Your Blessings can still be heard in the band’s later work, albeit in a more refined and polished form. Tracks like "Pray for Plagues" and "For Stevie Wonder's Eyes Only (Braille)" established the band’s reputation for intense breakdowns and technical guitar work, elements that they would continue to incorporate into their music throughout their career. The album also demonstrated the band’s willingness to push the boundaries of heavy music, a trait that would become a hallmark of their sound. While their later albums incorporate elements of electronic music, pop, and alternative rock, the band has never abandoned their metalcore roots. The influence of Count Your Blessings can be heard in the band’s heavier tracks, which often feature the same raw energy and aggression that defined their debut album. The album also helped to establish the band’s lyrical themes, which often deal with issues of anger, rebellion, and social commentary. These themes have continued to resonate with fans throughout the band’s career, and they have played a significant role in shaping the band’s identity. In addition to its musical influence, Count Your Blessings also had a significant impact on the band’s business decisions. The album’s success helped to attract the attention of major record labels, leading to the band’s signing with Epitaph Records. This partnership allowed the band to reach a wider audience and further develop their sound. Overall, Count Your Blessings holds a significant place in Bring Me The Horizon’s legacy. It represents the band’s early years and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of heavy music. While the band has evolved significantly since their debut, the album’s influence can still be heard in their later work, making it an essential part of their discography. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the band’s music, Count Your Blessings is a must-listen, offering a glimpse into the early years of one of the most influential bands of the 21st century.

So there you have it, guys! A deep dive into Bring Me The Horizon's debut album, Count Your Blessings. From its raw sound to its key tracks and lasting legacy, this album is a cornerstone of metalcore history. Hope you enjoyed the journey!