Nice - but not Unto Ashes
Doctor Blasphemy | Bunghole, NJ | 08/05/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Here is my brief review. Without the orginal female vocalists, I do not consider this an Unto Ashes album. I liked several of the songs of the album, but overall it is not as good as the previous, real Unto Ashes albums."
Best Album So Far
Sophia | 05/30/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Blood of My Lady harkens back to the first Unto Ashes album- Moon Oppose Moon. They are similar in tone and mood, though Blood of my Lady shows Laird's development musically and lyrically.
Darkness and a sense of loneliness prevail throughout The Blood of My Lady- a reflection, perhaps, on the writer's inner world. Though this album seems to signify splits in the band, or even splits in personal relationships, the music is far from a singular effort. Kim Larson, Sonne Hagal, Josie Smith, and other fine musicians made significant and beautiful contributions.
Though I love the whole album- the overall effect of descending darkness - several pieces stand out. Both versions of the title song are absolutely beautiful - but very different "takes" on the same song. M. Laird's version is heartbreaking- though the lyrics state that "she comes home to me" the music makes it plain.. that she...does not.
"Vengeance" is a lovely folk anthem- inspiring visions of dark forests, kings and knaves, valor, honour, a different time-.
"I Will Lead You Down" is a slightly spooky portrayal of distorted love- "And as I lay upon you, I will hold you down, My Love...."- and is effectively sung by Laird.
The exquisite gloom doesn't stop there though- "For All My Broken Promises" is an expression of regret accompanied by Catherine Bent's weeping cello and "The River and The Hawk" conveys ultimate loneliness (though with a small hint of hope.)
All and all, this album is an accomplishment on many levels- an outstanding creative work by Unto Ashes."
Male vocals dominate this album
Darkwave Fan | Bakersfield, CA | 07/10/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I was disappointed with The Blood Of My Lady. All the lead vocals are male. It's my personal feeling that female vocals would have given the music more dimension. I found the male vocals lackluster."