BLOOD CEREMONY's distinct style of flute-tinged witch rock evolves from an infernal marriage of occult-inspired acid folk and vintage hard-rock riffing. After a mind-numbing study of hundreds of trashy witchcraft films, the group began to pour their energies into crafting songs, transforming their fascination for horror into a profane musical vision.
Their sound bears witness to the heavy bands of yesteryear, fusing progressive rock elements with folk and an early '70s downer vibe. Invoking the mischievous Pipes of Pan, Blood Ceremony songs are distinguished by singer Alia O'Brien's flute solos - accenting an instrument long-associated with a list of devilish figures.
A celebration of Euro-horror, '60s saturnalia and occult miscellanea, “Blood Ceremony”, their debut album, was mixed by Billy Anderson and released by Rise Above in 2008 to enthusiastic reviews. In 2009, Blood Ceremony completed a successful European tour supporting Brit doom legends Electric Wizard.
“Living With the Ancients”, Blood Ceremony's sophomore album, expanded the group's dark and regal sound with a heavy dose of vintage organ, gritty guitars and stirring flute harmonies. The album was recorded in Chicago by Sanford Parker. With “Living With the Ancients”, the band continues its journey through the mire of ancient occultism and flute-infused downer rock. The album was released on March 1, 2011.
After a short spell in the analogue womb of Toronto's ProGold Studios, they have now unveiled their newest, and most accomplished, musical offering: THE ELDRITCH DARK.
Recorded and mixed by producer extraordinaire Ian Blurton, and mastered by Canadian recording legend Nick Blagona, “The Eldritch Dark” is a full-length paean to the darker corners of folklore and legend. Containing eight tracks of black magic rock 'n' roll, the album crackles with the excitement of a nocturnal ritual.
Tales of witch-cult gatherings in wooded glens, pacts made in torch-lit abbeys and Victorian magic are accompanied by vintage-style hard rock riffs, snaking bass lines and killer flute melodies. “The Eldritch Dark” also sees the band exploring a folksier side of their sound; most evident in the hymn-like "Lord Summerisle" and the murderous folk-rock epic, "Ballad Of The Weird Sisters". Nineteenth-century sorcerer Oliver Haddo makes a return appearance in the riff-hypnotic album closer "The Magician".
THE ELDRITCH DARK is out now via Rise Above.
Line-up:
Alia O’Brien – Vocals, Flute, Organ
Sean Kennedy – Guitars
Lucas Gadke – Bass
Michael Carrillo - Drums
