LET IT COME DOWN

I have fairly recently discovered this band and happy to have found them. This is a 7" vinly single release, of which I only have the digital promo. "Let it Come Down" is the one original composition and "Loving You" is the cover with which they decided to accompany this single, originally recorded by Iron Claw.

Both songs are fairly straightforward, short, heavy rock, compositions, with the original recording showing late 60's psychedelia influences at a mid-tempo with Alia's vocals and flute work dominating the rich and retro sound. The bluesy guitar solo does little to hide the Cream-era inspiration and the whole tune flows brilliantly, resembling the beginnings of heavy rock with a fairly "typical", yet memorable melody. The cover song is fairly close to the original, albeit extended by a minute or so, with more raw power and a hard-rockin' street feeling. The heavy rock/proto-metal riff signatures are showing up and Blood Ceremony don't attempt to alter its character, and throw in a couple more riff and refrain passages as finishing touches.

A nice single release (albeit less proggy) which confirms the relationship of the band with the late 60's/early 70's - "Let it Come Down" is the more interesting of which heavy and retro proggers will enjoy the remarkable flute sections. 3.5 stars.

Blood Ceremony are a terrific band, and they certainly deserve more reviews on Prog Archives. Let It Come Down is an excellent single. Their sound and influences have been discussed repeatedly by other reviewers, so I don't feel it necessary to do so. "Loving You" is a good cover of a band that is even more obscure than Blood Ceremony! It's always good when one of your favorite bands leads you to other music that's unfamiliar. Of the two songs on this single, I prefer the band original "Let It Come Down". Although it's not as complex as their other music, it is more representative of what Blood Ceremony normally sounds like. If this single is any indication of what their next release sounds like, I am definitely looking forward to what's coming; Although Let It Come Down is not quite up to the level of their other three albums, I'm giving 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 for this single by a great Heavy Prog band.