When I first read the bio and subsequent info on Holland’s The Devil’s Blood, the first band that sprung to mind was my own hometown’s legendary Coven, the late ‘60s act fronted by Jinx Dawson, widely heralded as music’s first true Satanic band. While a very difficult act to follow, I was nonetheless intrigued to hear a modern take of evil occult rock and see if the mantle has been effectively passed, and it has.

The band’s first full-length, The Time of No Time Evermore, sounds like an evil Heart-meets-Coven-meets-Jefferson Airplane, with vocalist F. the Mouth of Satan channeling both Grace Slick and a more subdued Ann Wilson for the perfect complement to the band’s classic rock vibe. Reading the band’s bio is like scanning the original Coven header from back in 1969, which espouses satanic participation and allegiance to the same. The Devil’s Blood is a refreshing step back where no one but the mighty Coven or Black Widow have managed to successfully venture since the early ‘70s.

The music on The Time of No Time Evermore is, quite simply put, evil and moody classic rock, which might be a very unfair tagline because it seems almost comedic in its issuance, which is surely not my intention. The CD has a dark vibe, though not overly evil or foreboding, which is a fine way of saying “less is more.” In the vein of the more modern Catherdral (with whom the band also has shared live dates), the music is a mind-expanding trip that Jim Morrison might well have enjoyed after a night of blood ritual marriage.

For a track like “House of 10,000 Voices” the brilliance of horror interpreted through the music is very impressive and is one of the reasons The Devil’s Blood is a terrific band. Classic rock with satanic imagery is just not done these days, at least not effectively, and Evermore might well be the new phase of what good can come from rehashing past glories. “Christ or Cocaine” is Heart to the extreme, with F. taking all key elements of Wilson and the aforementioned Slick and Dawson and finding her own wood to whittle. Her voice is both soulful and powerful, gaining momentum throughout the entire CD. “Angel’s Prayer,” my favorite track, has Thin Lizzy written all over it, which you’ll no doubt hear once the guitar kicks in before the verses. There’s a lot of meat in this musical stew.

Certainly retaining the feel of the ‘70s, which often gets a bad rap as the second-worst decade for music (forget the disco years already!) a lot of metal fans will find The Devil’s Blood interesting and the perfect slow-down album with which to find that now-ancient groove. There are so many elements and influences flying through this band that it’s hard to pinpoint any one feel or experience, but I strongly suggest you look for yourself and see what Holland’s rock scene has for us.  

Release Date: November 9, 2009
Label: Ván Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  The Time of No Time
2.  Evermore
3.  I'll Be Your Ghost
4.  The Yonder Beckons
5.  House of 10.000 Voices
6.  Christ or Cocaine
7.  Queen of My Burning Heart
8.  Angel's Prayer
9.  Feeding the Fire with Tears
      and Blood
10.  Rake Your Nails Across
       the Firmament
11.  The Anti-Kosmik Magick

Total playing time:  54:35

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments:

The Devil’s Blood - The Time of No Time Evermore

Reviewer: Chris

March 24, 2010