Eternally is definately not a typical goth rock or goth-metal release. The song structures and general feel generally make me think of classic rock or pop in some ways...fairly accessible and traditional without being boring or predictable. Cruella's vocals are confident, soulful and strong as opposed to the typical ethereal vocals you might expect from a modern female fronted "goth" band. By Blood Alone definately has a kitschy aspect that makes me think of Voltaire or Roman Dirge comics. All of the songs are cohesive and strong in their own right, but the chorus from the galloping power-metalish "Every Night" sticks in my head the most. The only reason I gave this four stars instead of five is that the guitar sound and production could be slightly stronger.

Looking for something a little bit different? By Blood Alone's debut CD "Eternally" is a must for any fan of Goth Rock/Metal. This CD takes the listener on a surprisingly peaceful journey while conjuring up visions of being in an old time movie theater, watching a silent black & white B grade horror film, with an organist on hand to provide the atmosphere. At least, to this listener anyway. While taking a cue from popular Euro-Metal groups, they add a heavy dose of synthesizer to the mix. Nothing about the production is overwhelming or jarring, nothing forced. But a pleasant transition from each song to the next. Lead Singer, Cruella's vocals are never too harsh, no screaming or screeching, just effortlessly smooth and inviting, she weaves a spell over you and you can't but help to follow her on her journey. A silent observer to her pain and anguish, as she battles unknown terrors of the night, waits in agony for her tormented lover who has enslaved her. Good stuff! This an excellent cd to put in your clock cd player and drift off to sleep to and awaken to the next morning, like I do! Let's have a quick breakdown of the songs: 1. Everynight - great opener, heavy dose of synthesizers (but not to much!) Really sets the mood, a nice happy song about our hero's running from horrors of the night who wish to "tear their flesh". Super good! 2. Eternally - I love this song! Ominous pounding drums at the beginning set a darker but beautiful tone. An exquisit love song for all eternity! How romantic! 3. Darkman - Ahhhh young love...when love & hate go hand in hand. This is the best song on the cd. It has the darkest tone of the set. Beautiful piano pieces, wicked guitar solo's, and those ominous drums again. 4. Deny Yourself - Ends the 4 song set on a positive upbeat note. Time has passed, our heroine has freed herself from her tormentors and now is trying to help a fellow sufferer. Who is not taking her advice, naturally. And the cycle starts all over again. Falling into deep despair and pain all over again with song 1. While only a 4 song cd. It's enough of a taste to want to hear more from this new group on the scene. I think they will be around for a very long time. A MUST for your CD collection!! But it Now! You won't be disapointed!

The four songs all draw upon the melodramatic trappings of the Gothic Metal wave but fortunately hark back to the likes of The Gathering and early Lacuna Coil than the sanitized-for-MTV's-protection Evanescence. The difference-maker in By Blood Alone is vocalist Cruella, whose enchanting style, simultaneously powerful yet delicate, allows the band behind her to reach their potential. Best track is album closer, "Deny Yourself," which sounds like Uriah Heep if Siouxsie Sioux and Budgie joined in. Okay, maybe not, but that organ is a nice touch!

EP opens with 'Every Night', sounding reminiscent of the DC punk-metal band Press Mob. I was really surprised by the sound, 1950s amusement park keyboards and great vocals with guitar surprisingly low in the mix, yet it rocked in this leisurly way. No pretenses. I know immedietly I need to see this band live. 'Eternally' is a pretty little evil song, and this is where it came to me. Trip Hop. There are no dance beats but it has the same feel of a Massive Attack record. 'Darkman' contains the single greatest moment on the EP-Cruella's pause before she says the word "core". Sends shivers down my spine. 'Deny Yourself' closes out the EP, and kind of makes me think of late-period Bauhaus. I'm really looking forward to hearing more from this band.