FLUXEUROPA: BLOOD AXIS: BLOT - SACRIFICE IN SWEDEN

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BLOOD AXIS

Blót - Sacrifice in Sweden
1998
CMI.X

If FluxEuropa's page-counters are any guide, Michael Moynihan's Blood Axis is evoking considerable interest. Moynihan is a controversial figure with a view of the world red in tooth and claw, and his music is an act of worship of strength and power. Indeed, his use of organ sounds reminds you of being in church. Surveying the totality of world history, there is a great deal of evidence to vindicate Moynihan's creed of Social Darwinism and perpetual war: on the other hand it's probably just as well he doesn't work for the Pentagon.

In November 1997 Blood Axis played a live concert in Sweden as part of an event to celebrate 10 years of the Cold Meat Industry, and this has now been released on CD. Besides the imposing classical effects, Blót makes extensive use of Annabel Lee's folk fiddling, samples of howling wolves, and Churchillian orations. The opening orchestral piece and the Irish folk element seem to nod to the soundtrack of Kubrik's Barry Lyndon.

The CD has had the advantage of remixing but remains a demonstration of confidence, smoothness and professionalism, especially when one considers that this was Blood Axe's first public performance. The sound quality is excellent and the approach sufficiently different from The Gospel of Inhumanity to justify acquisition even though the material overlaps. The line-up for Blót was Michael (vox, bodhran), Annabel (electric and acoustic violins) and Robert Ferbrache (guitars and keyboards).

The cover features a painting by the celebrated Swedish artist, Carl Larsson (1853-1919), depicting a mid-winter sacrifice at the old heathen temple of Uppsala. I should also add that the retail CD will have some very special packaging.

From October to December of this year, Blood Axis is doing an extensive European tour. The line-up for this will be Michael (vox, accordion, bodhran), Annabel (electric violin), Aaron Garland (electric bass) and Markus Wolff of Waldteufel (drums and percussion).

Rik - 4 October 1998