At Melodic.net, Tom Spinelli said that "Dustin Kensrue has found his own sound on this album, combing past elements of his previous work while experimenting with future instrumentation and delivery.

"[3] Also, Weaver stated that "Musically, it may be unmatched in recent years and lyrically it won't leave you bored, but instead will fuel your desire to worship God through song even when you're not at church.

"[3] Ryan Barbee of Jesus Freak Hideout told that the album was "balanced with singable melodies and attractive music that can capture the attention of Christians and non-Christians alike.

"[4] At The Christian Manifesto, Lydia Akinola stated that "There's no argument about it; The Water and the Blood puts aside conventional notions of corporate worship in favour for a more singular approach to both song-writing and composition.

"[5] Matt Conner of CCM Magazine said Kensrue "has crafted a moving set of rock 'n' roll songs that speak of the greatness of God and the gift of Jesus.

"[2] Because of that, Karan wrote that "With all of that aside, The Water & The Blood is the closest thing to new Thrice any of us will be graced with for the foreseeable future, and if this is what church sounds like these days, Kensrue could beckon a whole new audience to his services—and that’s entirely why the album came to be.

"[3] Also, Jesus Freak Hideout's Ryan Barbee highlighted that "The Water and the Blood really shows excellent examples of, as Kensrue put it, satisfaction and grace.

"[4] In addition, Barbee stated that "The collision of hard-hitting alternative rock with worship songs of the church, make The Water and the Blood, more than just another album but an incredible experience.

"[5] Anthony Peronto of Christian Music Zine told that Kensrue made "a passionate worship album that doesn't stifle the creativity of the artist.