RSVP To This Ceremony

The entire production value of this album is a level above most. Tune and tone maintain their own defining factors and vocals are easily tolerated, unlike some. The Eldritch Dark features well-written mathematical musical deliveries from the musicians, especially from percussion, and the lyrics are highly poetic. Overall, the technical value of this record is mighty impressive.

Opening track “Witchwood” has a refreshing “carried away” hard rock element. The defining community would also appreciate the blend of pagan reference. Followed by juxtaposing pieces “Goodbye Gemini” and “Lord Summerisle,” the delicate opener now seems like a pleasant surprise. “Goodbye Gemini” has a more commanding concept of growth and movement, and the lack of climax is not a disappointment, but a unique surprise, epecially when followed by the commanding intro of “Ballad of the Weird Sisters.” But “Ballad” also has a spiting element to it the album could have done without.

But “Drawing Down the Moon” was the song that stood far above the rest. This track had a nice groove function with hard rock elements and a rich melody. The vocals and the guitars complimented each other well without the usual overbearing elements an organ tone can have. Plus, the dancing keys will take you back to a time when it was okay to call The Doors “pop” music. Also, title tracks are usually an album’s baby. If a strong organ intro is what grabs you by the throat, then “The Eldritch Dark” would be the brand name for the band name.

An attempt to “genrefy” the record finds it at puzzling crossroads: call it folk/jazz/progressive rock. Influences would be mentioned here, but it seems that Blood Ceremony owes more to itself than to many others. With elements of some classic rock, jazz-fusion and prog rock mathematics, this is music that is best left to the audience for individual experience, preferably live.