Blood Ceremony

I went into this one thinking it was Norwegian death thrashers Blood Tsunami; needless to say, seven-minute organ-drenched doom rock opener "The Great God Pan" really threw me for a loop. But, hey, it rocks, as does the flute action in "Coven Tree," proving that this is a band that have studied their weirdo, obscure '70s cult rock well enough to get signed to doom overlord Lee Dorrian's record label overseas, no small feat for a lil' band from Toronto, ON. "Coven Tree" also delivers doom riffs so sultry and sublime you'd think Victor Griffin and Tony Iommi were getting curious together in a corner while also offering a bass/flute breakdown that absolutely and resolutely brings a Geezer Butler/Jethro Tull collaboration to mind. Speaking of that flute, check out "The Hermit," an instrumental that is basically one long flute solo. This band are the weirdo Canadian version of labelmates/tour pals Electric Wizard, all creepy retro cult vibe, long songs, doom forever and… well, add in some flutes. This disc has such a unique, awesome vibe, right down to the prog tendencies (see "Night of Augery"). This is highly recommended for doom fans/occult nutcases who forgot to leave the house for the past ten years.