Review: 02.07.2008
BY BLOOD ALONE
Seas of Blood
Jericho Hill Records
What's the musical equivalent of love at first sight? Whatever it may be, that's what happened when I first heard By Blood Alone. This is the style of Progressive Metal that Dark Symphonies used to put out a few years ago and my first thought was of one of their bands, Brave (who evolved from Arise From Thorns) and with both bands having a lady at the helm, it's an easy comparison to make. The biggest difference though, is the depth of By Blood Alone's songwriting. "Serpentarius" is a bold opening statement. In keeping with the cover artwork, there is a feeling of being at sea as the music has a very distinct ebb and flow. It also reminds me of Hawkwind's "Assassins of Allah". And I'll defy anyone that that doesn't hear the comparison. As a statement of intent, By Blood Alone show that they mean business from the off as there is no messing with this song. Although not quite as epic as Iron Maiden's "Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner", because of its stature, you just know this must be the bands signature tune. The feel good vibe continues into "Wants Me Dead" and By Blood Alone have hooked themselves a fan for life already. Unless they sell-out of course... which you just know will never happen. You can feel what they put into their music, this is most definitely created for love, not money.
As well as the epic feel of their songs, they also have a darker side, funnily enough both of which were written by vocalist Cruella. "Undead Friend" is a Gothic waltz that wouldn't be out of place in a Tim Burton film, which isn't a comparison I should have made before getting to "Little Lady Lillit". Imagine the darkest, most fucked up nursery rhyme your mind will let you create, then mix that with "The Happy Tree Friends" and merge that with the mind of the aforementioned Mr Burton, and you have the classic that is "Little Lady Lillit". And that little ditty is a perfect way to end this album.
To read an interview I've just done with the band click here, and then go buy the album via www.bybloodalone.com or pick it up via Relapse's mailorder. Brilliant band, great album and most deserving of your attention.
-Steve Green-