Review: 07.29.2008

BY BLOOD ALONE - SEAS OF BLOOD
(Jericho Hill Records)
Score: 16/20

The promotional info for the Seas Of Blood album by the American band By Blood Alone promises a mixture of progressive metal and gothic rock. We recommend any gothic fans reading this to check out the album first as gothic elements are just a small part of the band's sound. Progressive it may be but the overall sound and production of the album are extremely reminiscent of eighties metal.

“Serpentarius“ starts off with a classic metal riff followed by several melodies played on a violin. The varied percussion particularly stands out and not just in this song. The drumming winds its way throughout the whole album, constantly changing the rhythm and tempo, without ending up confused and tedious.

As well as the drumming, the extraordinary vocals provided by singer Cruella are worth a mention. Cruella's voice is pleasantly different from other female vocal gymnasts.

Other songs worth a mention include:

"Nidhogg": A song full of keyboard sounds, which knows how to please with fantastic changes from soft to harder sections.

"Deny Yourself": Great progressive drumming and incredible drive, sure to get you headbanging!

All in all, it's a great album and progressive metal fans, who aren't bothered by the fact the album production and sound takes you back to the late eighties, should definitely check it out!

-Rainer Janaschke