The Blood Divine
Awaken (CD) 1996 Peaceville
Being fronted by ex-Anathema vocalist Darren White and I believe also having 2 ex-Cradle of Filth members in their line up The Blood Divine were almost destined to make great music. 'Awaken' is a brilliant debut by this rather short-lived band. The music is oozing with warmth and emotions. Darren White's vocals sound better than they ever did with Anathema and the music also seems to fit his voice better. One could call this a mix between more traditional heavy metal and doom-metal I guess. The music is a lot groovier then you normally would expect from a doom-metal album. The album is wonderful to listen to on a hot summer day when it is raining (perhaps this is why the last track is also titled 'Warm Summer Rain'?). Tracks like 'These Deepest Feelings', 'Aureole', 'Oceans Rise' and 'Artemis' are emotional highlights. Two tracks feature the female vocals of Ruth: the earlier named 'These Deepest Feelings' and 'Warm Summer Rain'. However personally I am not that wild about her voice on that last track.	1. So Serene 2. Moonlight Adorns 3. Visions (of A Post-Apocalyptic World): Part I 4. Wilderness 5. These Deepest Feelings 6. Aureole 7. Oceans Rise 8. Artemis 9. In Crimson Dreams 10. Heart of Ebony 11. Warm Summer Rain Approx. 52 minutes
Reviewed by: Aldo Quispel
Mystica (CD) 1997 Peaceville
Given the extremely powerful debut they had released a year before expectations for this one were high. I am sad to say that in my opinion they failed to deliver. It is a good solid album on its own but compared to 'Awaken' its a bit weak. It seems to lack the emotional warmth the previous album had. However having said this I will still urge you to get this album. It by no means is a bad album. It does get very groovy every now and then, like on the track 'Vision in blue'. This might be a little too much for the more traditional death/doom metal fan. But you won't know untill you tried it no? This album shamefully also signals the end of The Blood Divine. After it got released the band broke up. A damn shame!	1. Mystica 2. As Rapture Fades 3. Visions in Blue 4. The Passion reigns 5. Leaving Me Helpless 6. Visions Pt. II: Event Horizon 7. I Believe 8. Enhanced By Your Touch 9. Sensual Ecstasy 10. Fear of a Lonely World 11. Prayer Approx. 40 minutes
Reviewed by: Aldo Quispel
Rise Pantheon Dreams (comp. CD) 2002 Peaceville
The Blood Divine, featuring three ex members of Cradle of Filth as well as original Anathema vocalist Darren White, formed in 1996 and lasted but two short years. Their recorded output chiefly consisted of a couple of albums, 'Awaken' and 'Mystica'; their sound was a romantic, atmospheric blend of goth, thrash, doom, and plain old trad metal. 'Rise Pantheon Dreams' is a great retrospective and an excellent way to sample this interesting group. 'Aureole' - the track that got the group signed - gives a hint of things to come with a strong atmospheric opening complete with solemnly intoned vocals that eventually breaks into an epic doom anthem. The guitars and vocals are especially strong and remain so throughout the disc. The following tuneage has instruments and effects all across thespectrum, from Hawkwind-like synths to piano to operatic vocal samples, with the chunky guitars lending continuity. 'Rise Pantheon Dreams' also includes a couple of covers: a thrash/punk take on Discharge's 'Revolt,' and one of the best songs of all, a demented cover of the Osmond's (!) 'Crazy Horses,' featuring keyboards and background vocals that sound like they were provided by deaf guys from the local men's shelter. You can't help but grin. Sure, the keys and vocals occasionally descend into the realms of cheese, but overall I was surprised at the strong songwriting, variety, and groove on this album. And the guitars are superb. Unfortunately, I missed these guys when they were together, but this album provides a fine overview, complete with tasty bonus tracks. So fine, in fact, that I think I'll track down the originals.	1. Aureole 2. Visions in Blue 3. As Rapture Fades 4. Revolt 5. Wilderness 6. Sensual Ecstasy 7. Enhanced by Your Touch 8. I Will Bleed 9. The Passion Reigns 10. Leaving my Helpless 11. Forever Belongs 12. So Serene 13. Crazy Horses 14. Aureole (live) Approx. 56 minutes
Reviewed by: Kevin McHugh