It appears Field Records have only gone and bloody well done it again, releasing another top-notch post rock record. Scotland’s What The Blood Revealed’s first full-length record, following two previous EPs, is another impressive outing for the label but the glory lies with these four Scotsmen in following up two reasonably solid EPs with an album that ticks plenty of boxes.

Harbour of Devils does what so many records fail to do – harness tension. While building atmospherics, light/loud passages, and deafening crescendos are by no means a new revelation, the task is keeping those things interesting, and these seven songs do just that. Songs like To Travel Deadly Ground meander through huge crushing riffing sections and calm verses to dizzying effect, crafting some real tension, a mood repeated several times throughout the album.

Also take a look at the album artwork. It’s imposing and striking, setting a theme and mood straight away before you even hit play and the music held within is complemented by the artwork so perfectly. Some will argue that album artwork just isn’t important in the 21st century but gaze upon the cover of Harbour of Devils and let the hypnotically beautiful wanderings of Waiting for the Storm wash over you, eventually reaching its crescendo and argue otherwise.

Pelican and Russian Circles are two rather easy reference points but apt ones for this record. Do not be disillusioned by that though, Harbour of Devils isn’t some lesson in unabashed derivative worshipping. Rather, What The Blood Revealed has channelled some obvious influences into their own unique sound. Tracks like The Streets Ran Red with the Blood of the Pious exude grandiosity from the off, easing with lofty guitars only to descend into meaty riffing.

What The Blood Revealed have delivered a very solid debut album in Harbour of Devils. It’s an album that alludes to great things to come from these Scotsmen in the future.

Drop-d Rating: 7/10

What The Blood Revealed