Bloodrock 2

"Bloodrock 2" is the second studio album by the American rock band Bloodrock, released in 1970. The album was produced by Terry Knight, a former bandmate of Bloodrock from the band Terry Knight and the Pack. Coming off the success of their debut album, Bloodrock doubled down on their distinctive hard rock sound with this follow up.

The album's most famous track is "D.O.A.", a morbid song about an airplane crash victim dying in an ambulance. This song reached 36 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Bloodrock's only top 40 hit and helping the album peak at 21 on the Billboard 200. Besides "D.O.A.", the album contains several other highlights such as "Cheater" and "Children's Heritage". Heavier than mainstream MOR bands of its era, yet not as wild or forceful as contemporaries like Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath, Bloodrock found a unique niche with its blend of hard rock, psychedelia and what would later be called prog rock.

In contrast to the band's self-titled debut album, "Bloodrock 2" offers more variety in terms of songwriting and themes. The band's musicianship continues to evolve, with the guitar work offers everything from fleeting Reggae to grinding rock while the vocals range from soft, ethereal croons to bloodcurdling screams.

However, "Bloodrock 2" and its hit song "D.O.A." stirred controversy due to their graphic content. Despite this or perhaps because of it, the album ended up being the highest charting in the band's career. This confirms Bloodrock's status as one of those bands that never made it huge, yet still left an unmistakable mark on the rock scene of the early 70s.