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THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK: Mirror of the Middle Ages Release year: 2002/2003 Format: LP/CD Tracklist: 1: Ring Around the Rosey Total Length: 42:19 min General Facts: The Soil Bleeds Black consists of Mark & Michael Riddick + Eugenia Houston. The act was formed in 1992 and the debut came in 1997 with the album The Kingdom and it's Fey on Cruel Moon International. Since then several releases have followed, the latest one being this one. The vinyl edition is limited to 500 copies, a CD version will appear on World Serpent Distribution soon. Review: The Soil Bleeds Black performs medieval music where focus is on giving recaptured old anthems an authentic feel. All instruments in the repertoire of this exquisite act are acoustic and the mastering is a bit unpolished, making the music sound more genuine. At the same time, the skilled, yet plain instrumentation makes this album an easy listen. The atmosphere is idealistic for having in the background while reading medieval or renaissance history or while just tapping into this great source of inspiration. Most of the material on this release are re-arranged historical tracks surrounding the culture of the dark ages. Yet without doubt, The Soil Bleeds Black has managed to give their own touch to these tracks. The version of Tempus Est Jocundum isn't as bombastic as Ataraxia's version from the same year, yet there is no doubt that The Soil Black Blacks's version have a far more medieval feel. There is also a version of Palestinalied here, a bit more up-tempo than other recent versions by Qntal and Estampie. Those of you who have seen the splendid move Excalibur may also recognise the last track. Other than the change of tempo, it is the same tune which heard when Igrayne is dancing in front of Uther Pendragon before he is enthralled by her beauty and break the alliance. These are just a few examples but there are many other more or less familar tracks on this CD. This is a very nice revisit to the times of chivalry, torment and magic. The vinyl edition is worth its price for the artistic value of the artwork itself. A splendid release indeed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Click here to enter The Soil Bleeds Black's website - Click here to contact The Soil Bleeds Black |
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