Blood Ceremony  

On the surface, this Toronto band isn't very hard to describe -- mix an early Black Sabbath base with a bit of Uriah Heep, some Jethro Tull-isms (flutes, what else) and female vocals, and that's Blood Ceremony in a nutshell. Frontwoman Alia O'Brien is frequently the center of attention, as she handles flutes (excellently), vocals (pretty decently) and keyboards (passably if simplistic, though in general keyboards aren't a major instrument here). The album has a cool, retro analog-ish sound courtesy of renowned producer Billy Anderson -- much like Sweden's Witchcraft (a decent soundalike to this band) the goal is not just to work with an early 70's influence, but to try to sound like the early 70's themselves. There are a few bands that have tapped into this style in recent years, and these guys and gal do it as well as anyone. A perfect fit for the Rise Above roster, Blood Ceremony is a fine debut album for the early-70's metal fan.

Current Members Alia O'Brien vocals/folk instruments/keyboards Sean Kennedy guitars Lucas Gadke bass Michael Carrillo drums

Former Members/Guests Chris Landon bass Andrew Haust drums

Discography

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Blood Ceremony 
2008

Master Of Confusion I'm Coming With You Into The Coven A Wine Of Wizardry The Rare Lord Return To Forever Hop Toad Children Of The Future Hymn To Pan

Alia O'Brien Sean Kennedy Chris Landon Andrew Haust

Reviews:   Blabbermouth