Blood Ceremony
Canadian occult rock band known for flute and horror themes.
Blood Ceremony, a Canadian rock band from Toronto, Ontario, got its start in 2006. Their sound is often called "flute-tinged witch rock," with lyrics steeped in black magic and nods to classic horror movies. The group is led by vocalist, flutist, and organist Alia O'Brien, whose flute work draws comparisons to Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson. Torontoist has hailed them as "Toronto's most original band."
The band was founded by O'Brien and guitarist Sean Kennedy, who handles most of the songwriting. Their first album, a self-titled effort, came out in 2008 on Rise Above Records, followed by *Living with the Ancients* in 2011; both were later reissued by Metal Blade. In late 2009, they toured Europe with Electric Wizard, and from late 2011 into early 2012, they supported Ghost on tours in Europe and North America. Two more albums followed: *The Eldritch Dark* (2013, Metal Blade) and *Lord of Misrule* (2016, Rise Above). O'Brien earned a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Original Song at the 7th Canadian Screen Awards for "Ghost of Love (Onakabazien Remix)," co-written with Sook-Yin Lee and Adam Litovitz for Lee's film *Octavio Is Dead!*. She also plays in Badge Époque Ensemble. The band's fifth full-length, *The Old Ways Remain*, arrived in May 2023.
Their style is also labeled occult rock, with their label calling it "flute-tinged witch rock." In a 2011 interview, O'Brien described it as "heavy rock," attributing the unique sound to each member's varied influences. She cited late '60s and early '70s progressive rock as key inspiration, naming Jethro Tull as her "very first, favorite band," along with Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Osanna, Pentagram, Witchfinder General, Electric Wizard, and Pagan Altar. Kennedy, the guitarist and songwriter, calls Blood Ceremony a "folkier Sabbath," pointing to "heavier Black Sabbath," 1980s doom metal, and British folk acts like Pentangle and Fairport Convention as major influences.
Current members are Alia O'Brien (lead vocals, flute, organ), Sean Kennedy (guitars), Lucas Gadke (bass, backing vocals), and Michael Carrillo (drums). Former members include bassist Chris Landon and drummers Jeremy Finkelstein and Andrew Haust.
- formed
- 2006
- origin
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- genre
- Occult rock, hard rock, psychedelic folk, progressive rock, doom metal
- label
- Rise Above Records, Metal Blade
- known_for
- Flute-tinged witch rock, black magic imagery, horror film references
Lore & Background
Blood Ceremony was created by Alia O'Brien with guitarist Sean Kennedy, who is responsible for most of the songwriting. Their self-titled debut studio album was released in 2008, followed by Living with the Ancients in 2011, both on Rise Above Records. The albums were later reissued on Metal Blade. The band spent the latter part of 2009 touring throughout Europe with Electric Wizard, and during the latter part of 2011 and early 2012 supported Ghost on their European and North American tours. They have since released two additional albums: The Eldritch Dark (2013, Metal Blade) and Lord of Misrule (2016, Rise Above). Their fifth full-length album, The Old Ways Remain, was released in May 2023.
Reader's Guide
Blood Ceremony occupies a distinctive niche in modern rock, blending heavy riffs with flute-driven melodies and occult themes. Their sound, described by the band as 'heavy rock' and by their label as 'flute-tinged witch rock,' draws on late 1960s and early 1970s progressive rock, as well as doom metal and British folk. O'Brien has cited Jethro Tull as her favorite band, and guitarist Kennedy has called Blood Ceremony a 'folkier Sabbath.' The band's lyrics and imagery consistently reference black magic and classic horror films, setting them apart from many contemporaries. Their tours with Electric Wizard and Ghost helped expose them to wider audiences. O'Brien's work outside the band, including a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Original Song, further highlights her versatility. Blood Ceremony's legacy lies in their original fusion of genres and their consistent thematic focus, earning them recognition as one of Toronto's most distinctive musical acts.
Did You Know?
- Blood Ceremony's style has been described as 'flute-tinged witch rock.'
- The band toured Europe with Electric Wizard in 2009 and supported Ghost in 2011-2012.
- Alia O'Brien received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Original Song for 'Ghost of Love (Onakabazien Remix).'
- Guitarist Sean Kennedy is responsible for most of the band's songwriting.
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