Their sound bears witness to the heavy bands of yesteryear, fusing progressive rock elements with folk and an early '70s downer vibe. Invoking the mischievous Pipes of Pan, Blood Ceremony songs are distinguished by singer Alia O'Brien's flute solos - accenting an instrument long-associated with a list of devilish figures.
A celebration of Euro-horror, '60s saturnalia and occult miscellanea, their self-titled debut was mixed by Billy Anderson and released by Rise Above in 2008 to enthusiastic reviews. In 2009, Blood Ceremony completed a successful European tour supporting doom legends Electric Wizard.
Living With The Ancients, Blood Ceremony's sophomore album, expands the group's dark and regal sound with a heavy dose of vintage organ, gritty guitars and stirring flute harmonies. The album was recorded in Chicago by Sanford Parker, who completed the final mixes on Samhain Day. With "Living With the Ancients," Blood Ceremony continues its journey through the mire of ancient occultism and flute-infused downer rock. The album was released on March 1, 2011.
Witchwood
Blood Ceremony Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Their devilry takes place within our lonely woods
Such strange words & stranger visions
Forbidden hymns to summon things one never should
Our children leave to hear their song
Rituals to which they now belong
Black magic rites
Black magic, so long forgotten
What mysteries lay hidden in the piper′s song?
Ancient world, ever-nearing
It's much too late, there′s no escape; we're far too gone
A woman stood at Witchwood Cross
And spoke to me, although a stranger
Of eldritch worlds once thought lost
And blasphemies that once were whispered
She said: you'll welcome us into your homes
We′ll linger in your blood
Our ways are in your bones
From the Witchwood we rise and greet you at your door
The old ways remain and the ancient gods they live on
In "Witchwood," Blood Ceremony explores the theme of black magic rising within the woods. The lyrics describe the forbidden hymns and rituals that are taking place, drawing children in and causing them to belong to the devilry. The song suggests that there is no escape from this ancient world, where dark secrets and mysteries lay hidden in the piper's song, and they are now too deeply ingrained in the blood and bones of those who have been tempted by the dark magic.
The lyrics continue to describe a woman standing at Witchwood Cross, who spoke of the eldritch worlds and blasphemies that were once whispered. The song suggests that the black magic will find its way into people's homes and they'll welcome it, and the old ways will continue to live on. This paints a bleak picture of a society falling deeper and deeper into the clutches of evil, with no way out.
Interestingly, the song draws upon a variety of mythological and occult references, such as eldritch worlds, dark magic, and ancient gods. This makes "Witchwood" a complex and thought-provoking song, ripe for interpretation.
Line by Line Meaning
Black magic has risen in Witchwood
The presence of dark magic has emerged in the town of Witchwood
Their devilry takes place within our lonely woods
The evil acts performed in Witchwood are done in the quiet of the woods
Such strange words & stranger visions
The rituals and practices of the dark magic are bizarre and concerning
Forbidden hymns to summon things one never should
Individuals involved in the dark practices are using songs to perform rituals and conjure things that should never be summoned
Our children leave to hear their song
The youth of Witchwood are drawn to the dark culture in search of something new
Rituals to which they now belong
The rituals being performed by the dark magic practitioners have gained the interest of the younger generations and they have become part of it
Black magic rites
The dark magic rituals that are taking place in Witchwood
Black magic, so long forgotten
The practice of dark magic has been forgotten for a while but has recently resurfaced
What mysteries lay hidden in the piper's song?
There are hidden secrets in the songs being performed by the dark magic practitioners
Ancient world, ever-nearing
The origins of the dark magic go back in time and the practitioners are bringing that world back to the forefront
It's much too late, there's no escape; we're far too gone
The influence of the dark magic has taken hold and it is too late to escape it
A woman stood at Witchwood Cross
A woman was present at the area where the dark magic is being practiced
And spoke to me, although a stranger
Despite not knowing each other, she shared some of the dark secrets with me
Of eldritch worlds once thought lost
She spoke of worlds that were believed to be lost and unknown to many but existed in the dark magic culture
And blasphemies that once were whispered
Unholy practices that were previously kept a secret are no longer whispered but openly discussed in Witchwood
She said: you'll welcome us into your homes
The practitioners of the dark magic will be welcomed by others in their own homes
We'll linger in your blood
Their dark practices will have a lasting effect on those who have been exposed to it
Our ways are in your bones
The practice of dark magic has become a part of their culture and tradition
From the Witchwood we rise and greet you at your door
The dark magic practitioners will emerge from Witchwood and continue to assert their influence on others
The old ways remain and the ancient gods they live on
The ancient practices and gods continue to be worshipped and practiced by those involved in the dark magic culture
Writer(s): Sean Kennedy
Contributed by Liam A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.