BAND: The Devil’s Blood

WHERE: London, Camden Underworld

WHEN: Friday, February 19The current darlings of the extreme metal underground this Dutch occult rock ensemble actually take their influences mostly from the late ’60s/early ’70s. Names like Roky Erickson. Coven, Jefferson Airplane and the Electric Prunes comes easily to mind. And they’ve come up with an enticing style that’s sensual, slightly depraved, charismatic, wrecking sumptuous riffs on the siren call of jagged, hypnotic melodies.

This show marks their live debut in the UK. And, given the rave reviews they’ve been receiving or last year’s debut album, The Time Of No Time Evermore, plus the reports from Europe of just how incredible their stage performance is, here’s one gig not to miss.

“It is most certainly something we look forward to. Our first UK appearance and already a headline slot,” says guitarist Selim Lemouchi. “This gives us hope for future endeavours. Also some things happened in the past that have kept us from performing our Ritual at Camden’s Underworld so this also feels as a vindication of sorts.”

The band stylise their live presentation as a ‘Ritual’, which might give you some idea of just how creative they are – and they’re not bothered that The Underworld is comparatively small.

“I don’t know anything about the size of the venue but small or large, it is Us and Them that will be all important in the calling of Him! Not so much the surrounding walls or the cubic contents.”

As for the actual set list, this being is kept very much under wraps right now, but expect songs not only from the aforementioned album, but also from the Come Reap EP. And there might even be a cover version included.

“We will most likely pay our usual homage to Roky Erickson.”

Of course, February 19 is the 30^th anniversary of the death of the late, great Bon Scott, something of which Lemouchi is very much aware.

“Personally I am not one to pay too much attention to these things but I will drink a glass of whiskey on the back seat of a taxi in his honour nonetheless!”

The Devil’s Blood try to remain in the shadows when it comes to individual personalities. Apart from Lemouchi, the only other member regularly identified is their vocalist, know as The Mouth. But this is shaping up to be one of the landmark events of the year, You’d be crazy to miss it. Hail Satan!

Find out more about The Devil’s Blood at www.myspace.com/thedevilsblood