The new release by Portland, Maine non-conformists By Blood Alone allowed me to have a new experience. For the first time I have had a chance to contribute financially to the production, mastering and release of the album. As much as this may create an appearance for a “conflict of interests” with me writing this review, I see nothing wrong with that as A – I hope my review is objective in the end and B – my profit is exactly zero from this “investment”. In fact, my contribution to the release of Thunderbirds is really not an investment (those who want to get a return on their $$ putting money into independent metal bands are much better off looking for other ventures), but more a statement of support for the band known for its free spirit, but beset with a personal tragedy. And it does not matter whether I was a die-hard fan of the band’s style or a mere supporter (I am more of the latter actually).

Right after the release of their previous album Seas of Blood By Blood Alone vocalist Cruella was diagnosed with breast cancer. From what I know, she took on the fight bravely and is cancer free at the moment. This harrowing experience made for a big break between Seas of Blood and Thunderbirds, but also called for even more poignant and passionate approach to the album. With Thunderbirds, at least with its opening half, the band seems to be more focused, determined, and a bit more fiery and harsher with their music. Powered by the songwriting of the guitarist John Graveside, By Blood Alone still play difficult to categorize, their own brand of keyboard supported, gothic tinged, female-fronted, meditative thrash. You would not call the cuts like Drive All Night and Night Terrors (two of my favorites on the album) headbanging experiences. If anything, they are more headnodding contemplative songs which inevitably capture your attention. No matter a few garbled drum rolls in the beginning, the two opening tracks set out with a nice tempo, provide Cruella with a definitive galloping support, make room for a logical solo and piano/string break or a symphonic arrangement, when needed.

Mid-album, with I Bleed and Having Tea, By Blood Alone showcased their more involved progressive side. Beginning with bass intro on I Bleed, keyboard/guitars interplay pick up the same riff and develop it further into a convoluted tough struggle. Having Tea somehow reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. Don’t know if it is the mentioning of tea, but the whole song alternates between falling down the rabbit hole and pretentious dancing on a chessboard marked floor. While Stalking gets back more to the gothic thrash beginning of the album with its creepier acoustic theme and Irish sounding strings, from there on out it felt that Thunderbirds ran out of steam a little bit. Misfit is an emotional track, but fails to deliver the same punch as I Bleed and 10+ min of the title track were a bit repetitive.

As a contributor to this release I would allow myself to criticize the band for not finding the resources to have a booklet inserted in their digipack. Cruella’s texts seem to be a very important part of By Blood Alone, yet they are missing from the fray. In the absence of the lyrics booklet one has to rely on gathering the meaning just by listening to the songs. While full of female sensibility and courageous spirit at the same time, Cruella is not blessed with the most powerful set of pipes. Her shtick is not bellowing words from the top of her lungs, but, instead, making them weave into the song’s fabric, although she is good for an explosion when needed (I Bleed). As a result, being able to read the lyrics would have made the encounter complete. If the band needed more funds to include the booklet, they should have asked for more and I am sure those who already contributed would have funded the release with a booklet option.

In the end, I am really pleased to have my name associated with Thunderbirds. While definitely not a band for everyone, By Blood Alone are a good fit for an artsier crowd, who are not afraid of harsher guitar riffs. My personal tastes definitely lie with the more extreme sounds, but I would be very much interested in attending a By Blood Alone live show to take in the experience.

- Alex -

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Aha…another returnee, but with a new album! And I’m sure some of you will say it was about time too, because although we at Concrete Web only had our review of Seas Of Blood in a TSM/ SLW Promotions special posted 31/10/2009, which is still available for your fact-finding needs on this 5-piece Progressive/ Gothic Rock act from Portland, Maine [the review got me (or rather the editor-in-chief in which they apparently saw the writer of the article) some praise by the band, who found it rare to find reviewers go into the background of a band the way the detailed way I usually do, as a rule], the album dates back to 2007! Okay, how about some additional data first?

First of all, it’s important to know that 2009 was actually a somewhat slow year for BBA. As the gents and ladies were trying to focus on writing the new material they intended to record hat same summer, they turned down most gigging opportunities during Spring, except two. But when push came to shove and the band was finally getting towards the completion of their rehearsal room, annex recording studio, they got a positive reply to a participation request for September 2009′s prestigious Utica Music Festival, sent in May. Someone in the band suggested they couple the event to the band’s tour they’d never done back in 2007 (due to lead singer Melynda “Cruella” Amann coming down with breast cancer and having to be treated for that, remember?), and so the band went on their first tour ever, dubbed The Unfinished Business Tour 2009. The tour went surprisingly well, in fact great fun was had by everyone, and so a decision was made to do more short gigs in the coming year. Back home from the tour, the band realized it was time to organize a 5 year anniversary gig…and all of that, combined with some more small unexpected stuff, made for the band’s studio to be ready by December only. That’s also when the band sent out an appeal to their fans to help out with an upcoming short (only 6 days) Spring tour they wanted to organize in their neck of the woods (North-East US).

In March 2010 BBA played support to Ocean, and in early April they got out on their tour (interested parties can read all about that in the blogs on the band’s website (www.) bybloodalone.com). Oh, those interested in freebees will be interested to find out that the band made a couple of songs off their debut album (and later an additional one off their 2005 demo) available for free download prior their Spring 2010 tour. Returning home on a high, the band was thrilled to find they were nominated twice for the upcoming Portland Phoenix 2010 Best Music Poll, first in the category Best Heavy Music Act, secondly in that for Best Female Vocalist. With being upgraded a category, the band failed to win, but then it’s already a great thing to be nominated in the first place. Meanwhile, the band continued to record, and occasionally play a gig. One of the most remarkable would be the “Furfright show”, organized by drummer Runtt on Halloween 2010 (again, more info is available in the blogs at the band’s own website) In January 2011 the band posted a “help wanted” blog, as they needed funds to master and print the CD they had just finished recording.

Well, that album is now finally here…so what can we say about it…has anything changed in the band’s sound? Well, no! In fact, the album continues faithfully in the same vein soundwize and stylistically. And you know something, I found out that’s quite alright by me, because I very much liked this band from its 2007 recording! Well, maybe the one change the band went through is to write some longer songs (two are just over 10 minutes long, another is just over 9 minutes, and with only 7 tracks on the album, it still has an appreciable length of almost 56 ½ minutes…you do the math!). If opening track “Drive All Night” sounds vaguely familiar in the chorus, it’s because, as Melynda confesses in one of the last blogs posted on the band’s website (where she also talks about the background of the songs and a couple of others), she let herself be influenced by Cindy Lauper’s mega-hit “I Drove All Night”. It sure gives the song a recognition factor to-die-for! For a 1 ½ minute sample of that song, and each other song ever recorded by BBA, take the link to their ReverbNation page (and don’t forget, there’s 3 complete songs available for free download – search the blogs). End conclusion? Just like Seas Of Blood, this is a very nice album, enjoyable not only for casual but also for repeated listening sessions!

The band already did a mini-tour for the album in mid April, and although we can doubt very much that the fivesome will ever be able to make it for a European tour (it’s apparently hard enough to get their schedules to coincide for shorter tours on home soil), we at Concrete Web feel gratified by the fact that we can nevertheless listen to the band’s albums! Lovers of Goth-tinted Prog Rock, check this out! You’re missing out on a great band if you don’t!

90/100

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I reviewed By Blood Alone’s debut ‘Seas of blood’ a few years ago and I remember how intriguing it was at first, and how promising I felt it was after many listens. Now the band is back with their 2nd CD ‘Thunderbirds’ and in every way it continues where the debut left off, including the return of female vocalist Cruella and her soft voice. Musically, their style still comes off as a blend of gothic metal and traditional/heavy metal, and an argument could easily be made that they have a progressive edge. Their overall sound is very light, pleasant, and actually leans more towards rock than aggressive heavy metal. Therefore, most of the CD is slow/mid-paced and there aren’t really a lot of moments of all-out speed, so for anyone to thoroughly enjoy the band, they need to understand and accept the band’s soothing yet melodic approach.

Just like the debut, there aren’t many songs (only 7, and there are only 8 on the debut), but they’re all long and the CD’s running length is normal. In addition, the keys are upfront in the mix and just like I felt about the debut, this aspect will either be deterring or welcoming, depending on individual tastes. For me personally, I like the keys, as the somewhat simple rhythms and lengthy songs might be on the boring side without the addition of keys. I will add that the CD’s production is nicely done, so I truly feel that everything is balanced and there are no issues with the mixing of the keys.

The CD has a great start, as the opening track “Drive all night” is fairly upbeat, and features a terrific guitar solo and a soaring chorus. Track 2 “Night terrors” has a definite gothic feel, but is also good. Track 3 “I bleed” however, isn’t one of my favorites, as the combination of slow-paced and extra-long (about 10 minutes) isn’t appealing, though the song does pick up near the end. Track 4 “Having tea” is another good song, track 5 “Stalking” is the catchiest (probably my favorite) and track 6 “Thunderbirds” is quite memorable. The closer “Misfit” hits me as the most emotional and it’s a fine end to a fairly consistent CD.

The best thing this band has going for them is that they’re unique. I’ve failed at coming up with some direct band comparisons, so for those looking for something different in the female fronted world, this band might be just what you’re looking for. Obviously, those who have and really like the debut can grab this CD blindly.

-Clint-

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Portland, Maine’s By Blood Alone come back with their third offering which bares the title ‘Thunderbirds’, a mere four years after sophomore album ‘Seas Of Blood’. To label this band as a mere goth band is an injustice to the calibre of the musicians involved. This album is a testament to the band’s work ethic after the faith-testing of the last four years.

Whilst still keeping elements of their previous work By Blood Alone have evolved into a more progressive band, a lush hammond organ sound on many of the tracks gives this album a truly classic feel.

Opener ‘Drive All Night’, through the next song ‘Night Terrors’ and on to ‘I Bleed’, Cruella (lead vocals) has laid her heart and vocal chords on the line for all to immerse themselves in…which leads me to the only odd ball on display here ‘Having Tea’ which, while being a good song, kind of feels out of place here. Having said that with only seven songs the break does the listener well.

Next up is ‘Stalking’ – my personal favorite – followed by the title track, which again is ten minutes of pure mind melting music, and the last song ‘Misfit’, which too is nearly eight minutes of music that everyone should try out. The band has progressed while keeping their toes in their roots.

By Blood Alone have reawoken my love of goth/prog rock so watch out people, By Blood Alone are coming to get you!

-David Prince-

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Check out the moody ‘I Bleed’, a melodic gothic beast, pounding drums and moody keyboards with oppressive vocals from Cruella. The song grows with each listen and is just fabulous; radio should pick up on this song. ‘Night Terrors’ starts off with a dark piano intro and builds into a sizzling progressive number with incredible drum kicks and swift guitar work from John Graveside. Again Cruella comes over really well as this song nearly hits Nightwish values, here Cruella is reminiscent of Anette Olzon from Nightwish, excellent song.

‘Having Tea’ is perhaps my favourite song. There is a pleasant Jethro Tull stylishness at the start, the song is grinding and the tribal drums add to the musical enchantment. With this track the band should be aiming for progressive radio. It’s really good, reminds me a lot of Mostly Autumn and maybe even Imogen Heap in parts. Cruella once again sounds imaginary and I just love the way the song builds, very commanding and progressive. ‘Misfit’ is also another good song, more melodic and balladic in style. It builds with lots of keyboards and is another song with possible radio airplay.

The whole album is diverse and showcases each band members individual styles, as you get into the album you hear a band that has progressed over the years and relaxed with their art. ‘Having Tea’ is my fave song on the album, but it all works with sincerity. I will say that the album requires a few listens to get into, By Blood Alone are one of those bands that if you eavesdrop on a skip basis expecting something immediate you may not get what the band are about, so take your time and you will find yourself enjoying this album the more you listen.

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Crossing over the wires marked, thrash, alternative, power metal and goth as always, the style of this machine, actually in function since 2004, is pretty electrifying though possibly with the earth wire left in situ. Most of the tracks are strongly assembled workouts with occasional down to-par deviations while keyboards get a particularly credible display at the fore.

These kb’s are duelling with the usual technical guitar rhythms for a wholesome end product. Coming along with slightly more angst tinted tonsils than we’ve been used to lately, the result is more wonderfully diverse work from yet another promising name.

These Thunderbirds are pretty much go methinks.

-Dave Attrill-

Now for some introductions on the line-up of the band for this album. Cruella (vocals), John Graveside (guitar), Runtt (drums), Jack Doran (bass) and Jenny Williamson (keyboards). Together these five forge on with their new release, Thunderbirds.

Opening the album is “Drive All Night” (9:05), a bombastic song that starts with a short drum solo. This is a great epic song that is perfect soundtrack for those that have long commutes. This is probably a great way to start off a live set.

Then “Night Terrors” (6:55) has a slightly mellower starting but it soon picks up and is a fantastic track about nightmares (I hope I got that right). This is one of my favorite songs of the band and this album.

Next up is the first long song of the album, “I Bleed” (10:04), which is probably the band’s most progressive sounding song of the album. In my opinion, this is how epic sounding progressive metal should sound like.

“Having Tea” (5:25) is an odd title to see on a progressive metal album but never judge a song by it’s name or you might be missing out on something. The instrumentation reminds me of Rush’s work on the both Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures but with a female singer, of course. This is another of my favorites off the album.

“Stalking” (6:59) starts out with acoustic guitars, repetitive drum beats and about 1:18 in, the electric guitars are blazing. This is one of their more accessible songs while having something extra that typical accessible bands in this genre don’t have, integrity.

“Thunderbirds” (10:03) is the other long song on the album, which on whole isn’t as dark sounding yet not “happy” sounding either. Around the 5:30 mark there’s an homage to the song Black Sabbath. This is another of my favorites off the album.

“Misfit” (7:48) is the most gothic sounding on the album and a perfect way to end a wonderful album (in my opinion). After about a 2 minute intro, the vocals comes in. There’s such a beautiful darkness to this song.

So if you’re into progressive metal bands with a gothic twist, then you should look no further than By Blood Alone’s 2011 album, Thunderbirds. This if far above other bands in the genre. They are in a league of their own, simply because of their integrity to create music that is creative yet fun to listen to. So I would highly recommend this to both those that are progressive metal fans as well as those that are into gothic metal. Best of both worlds.

-Ron Fuchs-

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Clocking at about one hour, the album consists of seven tracks where traces of Prog Rock, Folk, Goth Rock and Pop are blended together. Of all these compositions any could be described as the album highlight. Apparently the group has found a formula to elaborate a work whose every element is equally worthwhile. One does not have to wait too long for interesting things to happen as the very opener “Drive All Night,” kicking off with a sparkling combination of drums and Hammond organs (or keys imitating the instrument) proves the group is in a great shape and condition. Perhaps the following track called “Night Terrors” even surpasses the opener when it comes to the melodies composed, arrangements within and the quality in general. What is important is that the band’s music never gets boring. Moments of clearly catchy, melodic character intersperse with more unpredictable passages. However inconsistent it may sometimes appear, there is a perfect balance maintained here. It feels then as if the group had an ability to shift from one style to another. A good example is the tune “Having Tea” where you get a mix of drums and a bass line creating a warm yet relentless atmosphere in the first stanza, several hasty passages with vigorous Hammond organs playing the first fiddle and finally a chorus where everything is transformed into a sequence that balances on the verge between Pop and cabaret song. There seems to be more nuances to discover on this album and to me they appear for example in “I Bleed” or “Misfit” where one can sense and hear a dose of black humour and music approach that could well be an illustration to a story of a Harlequin. Well, the title of the latter song somehow supports this impression. Talking of “Misfit,” this composition appears to be the most beautiful musical moment in the discography of BY BLOOD ALONE. Starting with a slow-paced and an almost funereal manner, it sends the listener some cold chills down his/her spine, mainly through the use of keyboards. At a certain moment it all goes into a fragment, where the combination of the bass guitar and the mentioned keys becomes very warm and kind of soothing. If you add to this the soft vocal by Cruella, which in my opinion got better since the previous album, and the melody created, it is not surprising that the final effect is so satisfactory.

The sound has been improved and now it feels more detailed, more sharp, yet still it retains – in many fragments – the pleasant touch known from “Seas Of Blood.” Together with some unique melodies and the vocal efforts, the whole structure is just a perfect break from the usual kind of heavier stuff served to music fans. It is very personal, almost intimate and somehow one just experiences an atmosphere of a fairy tale while listening to BY BLOOD ALONE’s new full-length. While the phrase “fairy tale” may evoke associations with tackiness there is nothing trite or tasteless here. The band is simply painting their artistic landscapes without a shade of pretentiousness like in the calmer parts of “Stalking,” which by the way starts as if it was supposed to be a usual Pop/Rock ballad and which of course turns out to be something more surprising. Well, there are several moments that might emerge as pretty exaggerated or simply kitschy, yet I take it for granted that the band are using these means being fully aware of what they are doing and that this apparent occasional tackiness is but an enriching and valuable element in their musical puzzle. After all, it is also a sort of an artistic achievement to show one is able to use kitsch forms.

Actually I do not know if there is anything that I could point out as bearing any major flaw. BY BLOOD ALONE have come up with their own palette of sounds where each single note fits like a glove. It is difficult to distinguish the element of their music that makes them pretty special on the music scene. I guess it has to be the whole band that deserves credit for making “Thunderbirds” what it really is. The contribution of each musician is, as indicated, perfectly fitted into a greater picture of this release. Nobody is prioritised, everything is balanced in a flawless way. Taking all this into consideration I would not be surprised if “Thunderbirds” turned out to be a breakthrough for the band.

-Sebastian-

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On “Night Terrors” the keyboards and guitars mix well, and a riff that will get you nodding. The 10 minute “I Bleed” mixes King Crimson with slow marching band rhythms.

Throughout this album you get changes of mood, rhythm, pace, but the musicianship, songwriting and emotion are solid and consistent. From a 5 minute thrash to 10 minute workout each song is captivating. My only criticism is that it’s almost too varied.

For gothic / progressive metal this is melodic and original, and equally enjoyable.

-Joe Geesin-

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