"Grave Blessings" by Unto Ashes

a Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell

Unto Ashes have been around for a while now, making their unique brand of darkwave music. Its medieval sense makes it feel like you've entered a different era when you listen to it. Their material is mostly their own, but covers and traditional songs also get a look in.

Vocalists Natalia Lincoln, Mariko and Michael Laird are obviously gifted.

"Winter Born" sees them singing beautifully to a stately arrangement.

"Tortured by Rose Thorns" continues the bands bleak spell, a folksy song that sees Mariko's vocals stark and passionate.

"Emptiness" is sweet and dreamy, its phenomenal harmonies keeping me enthralled. Overall the vocal work on this record is exceptional.

A cover of the Cure's "Drowning Man" is suitably somber, all cobwebs and darkness creeping. Mariko sounds nothing like Robert Smith, which is good.

The traditional "Four Loom Weaver" is an equally audacious song to cover.

A strange but reassuringly lovely album in all.

Posted on September 23, 2005