Review: 07.2005
My aura glows when I hear that there are people keeping metal alive here in Maine. By Blood Alone is a prime example of that fire inside of me that needs to be frequently rekindled only by the fuel of the ancient ruins of true metal. With galloping riffs reminiscent of Iced Earth, November's Doom and maybe some vocal similarities of Draconian, this band emulates the dark forests and cosmic dreams of long ago. Once again, this was another band that I was fortunate enough to share a stage with and I enjoyed every second of their performance.
This four song EP (pre-release of their full length) starts out with the sounds of phantom steeds in canter on their way to battle. The lyrics spun in "Every Night" by Cruella tell tales of dreamscape chases, to divide and conquer adversaries not deserving of existence. "Eternally" is my choice cut from this EP. The haunt comes in with tribal drums and rock solid bass, embellished with beautiful guitar tracks. The keyboards summon a chill to partnership with the dirgeful vocals. This track is awesome, shadow ridden and full of a promising future for this quintet.
Track three, "Darkman" has got classic doom written all over it. I sincerely suggest going to the IT forums and reading the lyrics for this song to fully understand Cruella's writing prowess. I can imagine a love story, the scene in a low lit abandoned funeral parlor awaiting the darkening of a doorstep amid a winters scorn. The final track entitled "Deny Yourself" almost reminds me of older Borknagar with the keys etching a solid backbone under the band. I love the bass and guitars on this track too, like I'm adorned with field plate armor ready to demolish all in my path.
By Blood Alone is as follows, Cruella- vocals, John Graveside- guitar, John Hoerner- drums, Jack Doran- bass, and Jenny Williamson on keyboards. I'm not sure where this EP was done, but I think it was done at Tonezone in Scarborough. If I'm mistaken, gouge my eyes out with an ingot. This is a special pre-release of their forth coming album "Eternally" which is due out in July. I know that I am greatly anticipating this release as I am a huge metal fan from way back. By Blood Alone plays out regularly, so go see them live. They are wonderful individuals on and off the stage. ~visit bybloodalone.com~
-Rick Arsenault-