b l o o d   a x i s
sacrifice in sweden - CMI.X

This is the best album cover portrayal I have seen yet. The cover really portrays the sound of the music, so if this review doesn't help you then just have a look-see.

Religious spoken word introduction with an organ to heighten the mood. The first song helps prepare you for the second, titled Heiafather, which gives me the impression of being in a cathedral accepting initiation. It contains repetitive and entrancing sequences, and I imagine myself listening to this as I sacrifice myself to the dark goddess. Though I don't think that is the same concept that Blood Axis is trying to convey. Track 3, titled Seeker, changes the mood by adding a guitar and dry vocals. Singing in prose, it evokes a very touching and nostalgic feeling, resembling Death in June. When we get to track 4, Electricity, the music begins to come together. I find myself absorbed in the concept which blends with the music to develop a new comprehension. After this song the CD becomes more consistent. Simplistic dark ambiance with the occasional apocalyptic spoken word. (I think I feel a seance coming on) All in all, it is a very alluring album filled with emotion and dark underground streams.

Review by Evoltwin.11

After listening to this CD a few times I was surprised to find out that it's a live recording. It was digitally recorded straight from the sound board at CMI's 10th Anniversary Feast in '97 , and the result is a crystal-clear set of music spanning Blood Axis' entire career.

The songs range from the elegance and simplicity found in traditional tracks like "Seeker", which is based around violin and acoustic guitar, to the droning depths of the atmospheric "Electricity", a slow moving track centred around deep spoken vocals and a series of opera samples.

Their neoclassical stylings are very pronounced, especially with the mediaeval feel of some tracks that cling to ancient roots. Marching drums, upbeat celtic violin, and songs about war and lions all complement this old fashioned style.

Ben Didier