Draft:Blood and Rage

Blood and Rage is the debut studio album of the American heavy metal band Wolf of Blood. The album was released in October 21, 2000 by Metal Blade Records, and it features a mixture of heavy metal, nu metal, and hardcore elements. The album received positive reviews from critics, but it also received some criticism for its unpolished and rough production. The album charted at #113 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, and it sold over 100,000 copies worldwide.

Background
Wolf of Blood began recording their debut album, "Blood and Rage", in September 2000. The recording sessions took place at various studios in the United States, including New York and Los Angeles. The album was produced by the band's guitarist Ryan Wilson and engineered by the band's frontman, Dusk Lycanroc. The recording process took about three months, and the album features a total of ten tracks, including the bonus track "Falling Down". The album was released in October 2000 and was met with generally positive reviews from critics.

Composition
From a compositional standpoint, "Blood and Rage" is a classic example of heavy metal and nu metal. The overall sound is heavy, aggressive, and visceral, with a blend of metal and hardcore influences. Some of the primary musical conventions in the album include loud and distorted guitars, pounding drums, harsh vocals, and intense breakdowns. Additionally, there are several moments where the music becomes calmer and more melodical, creating a contrast and allowing an emotional dynamic to the music.

Release and Promotion
In 2001, Wolf of Blood was nominated for an MTV Music Award in the "Best New Artist" category. Wolf of Blood's nomination for "Best New Artist" came as a surprise for many critics and fans who thought the band would receive a nomination for a more aggressive or intense award. Instead, the band's nomination showcased a more mainstream, accessible side of heavy metal and rock, and proved that heavy metal can also be commercially successful and mainstream.

Critical Reception
"Blood and Rage" received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the album's intensity and aggression. Some critics praised the album's production and mix, while others felt that the album was too raw and rough around the edges. Overall, the album was seen as a promising debut from a talented and promising band that made a strong impression on the heavy metal scene. Many critics also praised the band's live performance, saying that they were a strong and thrilling presence in concert.

The music reviewer Heavy Metal Music Awards described "Blood and Rage" as "[a] bloody metal album and graphical album cover. This debut album is a real shocker in its mix of brutal and aggressive metal with touches of hardcore, rap, and other surprises."

In terms of production and mix, the reviewer praised the album's sound, saying that it was "an intense mix of metal and hardcore, and it is a powerful punch in the chest." The reviewer also commended the band's lyricism's and aggression, stating that they were "very intense and very aggressive, perfect for headbinging."