Review: 06.13.2008

BY BLOOD ALONE
Geno’s Rock Club
Portland ME
May 31st, 2008

Saturday May 31st is a day that will ring out in the history of Maine music. Portland based gothic metal band By Blood Alone took to the stage for the first time in over 6 months, and what a performance it was!

As many know, the singer of the group, Cruella, had to undergo a rigorous treatment of chemotherapy and the band took a hiatus while she recovered. It was obvious from the many new songs the band performed that the hiatus was well spent. I am also very pleased to announce that Cruella is doing just fine.

Cruella did admit before the show that she was a little nervous getting back on stage. After witnessing her flawless performance I’d say she had nothing to be nervous about. It was a very special treat for me to be at the show, and I will blatantly confess my belief that Cruella ranks at the very top of the list of Maine’s great female vocalists.

To give credit where it is due, the rest of the band gave a very stellar performance as well. The band has an obvious comradery and a very good professional relationship. Each member knows their part and they bring them together seemingly effortlessly.

The audience was very pleased with the new material, and also cheered very loudly when the band played some of their older material as well. I admit to being mesmerized stage front when the band broke into one of my favorite songs off of the “Seas of Blood” disc, “Serpentarius”.

I, for one, am eagerly anticipating a new disc from By Blood Alone. Check out the myspace for samplings of their great songs.

-Wendy Deschenes-