This new compilation represents a break for the band….

After ten years forging their own path as the Gothic Rock legends they've come to be known as, their career, up to this point-or 1997, it seems-can be looked back upon proudly; Covering ten years, several albums and singles, Love Like Blood touches like no other… the bloody red rose plus the thorns that go with it-they'll draw you in but if you're not careful…

I never had a lot of exposure to this band but judging by not only what I'm hearing now but the bits and pieces that came about-recently "Doomsday" from the Gothic Club Classics collection, and featured as the first track here, and not only that… but ironically enough, the Killing Joke version of "Love Like Blood" from the same and the name just begun to stick.

Love Like Blood as a band, and for all intents and purposes the brotherly duo that comprises the core embodies all of the essentials that make New Wave and Goth the undying influence that it remains.

I first heard the almighty Fields of the Nephilim during the mid '80s and from that point on, I was hooked. Love Like Blood sounds eerily similar-of course the same could be said for many to be sure-traditional Goth elements are, of course, traditional.

But going deeper than simply the usual smattering of darkness and dread and underwater vocals, there has to be a style and substance to substantiate it all-something that breeds longevity in the life of an underground form of music that quickly fills its quota then dies off in a stench of its own decay while crossing over into the material world and material worth.

Well some do, some don't, and some just maintain a class and integral existence that belies fashion and condemns credibility… they form the undercurrent of musical revolutions that build and build over time-Love Like Blood is one of those bands…

They are Bauhaus…

They are Mission U.K….

They are Sisters of Mercy and Bowie-"Heroes" appears as song ten from the "Flood of Love" single in '93-rolled neatly into one dynamic little package topped with a black bow.

And their music is enthralling and exciting all in the heat of a moment-not an easy accomplishment when sorrow and dread hold the key to your creative credibility.

Well the songs of course run the pattern between then and now, old and new, though there's little difference-even considering the disquieting nature of "Free" and its unexpected arrival… and even more unexpected aggressive tone-they are as they've always been.

First to last, they appear chronologically ordered and differ little in their desired effect. Love Like Blood is a compelling glimpse into the past… a pale light that shines through the dark…

"Johannesburg," "Dear Catherine," "Kiss & Tell…" necessarily evil yet purposely touching.

"Within the Realm of a Dying Sun" is possibly the greatest song I've ever heard them do-hauntingly similar to the Sisters' "Good Thing" but going just a little further beyond.

They are also on the fringe of the future touching upon the full range of technology as exemplified on their crucial club-mixes of "Walking in Demimondes," "Sibirian Pandemonium," and "Stormy Visions," all very transitory and electrifying measures that shake the soul at its foundations!

This compilation, first released in '97, signaled a break for the band as they headed into the future and reflected on their past… yet their future also goes through a get-acquainted moment here with "Pale Sky" which finishes things off, yet realistically sets out on a new beginning! Free your soul and allow the flood of love to surround you…

Released by SPV Records

Review by Vinnie Apicella [va85@columbia.edu]