To say Bleed the Sky has had turmoil since forming in 2004 would be an understatement. To make a long story short, only one original band member remains for Murder the Dance. The band had success with their debut, Paradigm In Entropy, selling 10,000 copies, and were lumped into the emerging metalcore scene—understandably, since all of the subgenre's elements seemed to be there.

Maybe trying to stray from this label, Bleed the Sky attempts a style shift on Murder the Dance. While still retaining the core of what made the debut a success, they opt for a noisier, technical approach. There are time changes, instruments seem off-key and, more often than not, Murder the Dance just sounds messy, like some guys all playing in different directions. The album has its strong suits. Noah Robinson bellows and screams harsh vocals resembling one of the most influential vocalists in extreme metal, Phil Anselmo. Robinson also can sing well when the music allows. Amidst the racket, there is a heightened sense of melody, reminding me of the darkest Alice in Chains vocals. Guitarists Justin Warrick and Rob Thornton are both excellent shredders and lay down some intricate, technical work.

Murder the Dance is the result of a band unsure of its direction. I'm not questioning their skills because they're certainly there. It's a mixed bag, mostly containing average to below average, experimental metal songs. Bleed the Sky is hard to categorize now, so mission accomplished there. I had high hopes for this album, but it's too incoherent and lacks the necessary flow.