Ritual, the sophomore LP from Blood Relations, unfolds as a concept album, intricately blending the dark energy of post-punk, European folk music, Native American culture, the depth of goth rock, and the mystical ambiance of dungeon synth. The album opens with the mysterious, solemn The Unraveling, bringing to mind the procession scene of The Wicker Man, and moves into the ethereal, simply poetic Be My Sight. After the title song, things get more heavy with All Is Mine, with its plodding guitars and echoing vocals. Go Forth My Shadow follows this trend, with a shoegaze haze enveloping the mournful vocals. The album closes with Final Moon, a droning, shamanistic-flavoured number, sure to hit you square in the third eye.
Listen to the album below, and order here.
Blood Relations:
The concept of a “Christmas miracle” might raise eyebrows amongst those more accustomed to receiving lumps of coal this time…
Death, in literature and myth, has always danced a waltz with romance. It swept Eurydice away from Orpheus’s desperate arms…
He paints on a smile, the pleasure is mutual Attack of denial, be still, it’s only for the wild Bands…
if I could change things I would but it still was your choice hiding making your love look absent as…
I’ve been swimming in an ocean of tears I went swimming in all of my fears And every day is…
Our entire life Was like a spell of beauty and despair This old delusion Hectic with our own selfish thirst…