This album should appeal to rock fans who enjoy a bit of Goth. By Blood Alone are an American band, fronted by a charismatic female vocalist by the mind-stimulating nickname "Cruella", whose debut album has gained them well deserved recognition.
Any person lumping By Blood Alone together with bands like Nightwish, Within Temptation or Epica at the moment should stop and reconsider. The album "Seas Of Blood "does show features of the characteristic style accompanied by numerous string arrangements (composed by producer Steve La Cerra), however By Blood Alone's music is deeply rooted in classic rock, and therefore less epic. Powerful guitar riffs and vigorous playing is what the band focuses on. No better proof is needed than the opening track "Serpentarius", which features thrash-like, biting guitar sounds courtesy of John Graveside, or the powerful, rhythm driven "Wants Me Dead", which also features an organ performance by Jenny Williamson. The sound can be described as Siouxie & The Banshees meets Iron Maiden. There is also the dark and moody "Nidhogg" with mythological lyrical references, and also the atmospheric "Lovely Lies", where elements of heavy metal, doom metal and traditional rock ballad blend. The more we listen to the album, the more we come to realize that By Blood Alone's influences can be traced to bands like Kamelot rather than, say, After Forever or the popular Nightwish mentioned before.
The band's primarily raw music shows its softer and warmer side in two melancholic compositions "Undead Friend" and "Seas Of Blood", both featuring lyricals sounds of the piano and beautiful vocals. Both songs also give the album an unusual taste which along with their anthemic character elevates By Blood Alone's music to a monumental level of reverie.
What is also worth mentioning is the closing, 150-second track called "Little Lady Lillit" featuring simple, kindergarten-like piano melody in contrast with quite horrific lyrics, which results in a pretty mean but at the same time clever musical joke. It makes for a quite unexpected, and yet pleasant album finish. A miniature macabresque, which invokes an involuntary smile.
"Seas Of Blood" is simply an interesting album. The album is obviously not reinventive or groundbreaking by any stretch of the imagination, but instead it serves as smart demonstration of the band's abilities and undeniable talent. I shall keep a watchful eye on how this young and promising band progresses in the future, and so should you.
Translated: John Graveside
