Unto Ashes are a very impressive, sophisticated sounding band. There are two versions of the title track here - the song itself fits into the so-called 'apocalyptic folk' genre, but also introduces influences from traditional folk (with the hammered dulcimer) and classical music (with the string section). Serve Me is a dark, sleazy, sexual song with gothic synths and Eastern-style percussion. They do a suitably funereal version of Henry Purcell's Funeral March for Queen Mary, complete with doom-laden, orchestral-sounding synths and grandiose drumming. They also do an absolutely stunning version of the medieval song Palestinalied, by Walther von der Vogelweide, which includes authentic medieval instruments and twin female vocals. Finally, another of their own compositions, although it sounds as though it could have been written 100s of years ago - Exeunt Reges, an instrumental piece based largely around hurdy-gurdy. It starts off with a very mournful tone, then introduces military style drumming and an overall air of grandeur. Amazing stuff, I'm going to have to track down some previous material by this band.

Not long ago the press release came out for this maxi with the introduction: "To appease Unto Ashes' long-suffering fans in Europe and the United States, Projekt is honored to present Unto Ashes' I Cover You With Blood (Pro153), a highly compelling, blood-lit six-song maxi-CD featuring five unreleased tracks / mixes."

I think this is the perfect introduction to this six-track CD. From the Empty Into White album comes the original version of the title track with it's dark and morbid lyrics and trademark style. Add to this excellent track more percussion with a steady beat and you have the "Wounds Mix" of this track. This is a nice take on this track adding more of a dancey rhythm to it. Also presented is a remix of the popular club track "Serve Me" with the "Ochun Mix". I have to admit that at first listen I didn't notice much difference between this and the original. But I sat down with a nice stereo system and the extras just kind of jumped out at me with some harmonized vocals and additional layering that are subtle but well presented.

Other extra tracks on this maxi are real treats. Many people will recognize the medieval lament "Palestinalied" that QNTAL has also produced a rendition of. Unto Ashes' version is also superb, bringing out a definite medieval feeling with the beautiful instruments and vocals. I think this group really does their research when it comes to authentic instruments and sounds. The rendition of "Funeral March for Queen Mary" also portrays these authentic sounds as well as the final track "Exeunt Reges", which is an original composition by this talented group. The subtle layers of various instruments bring this track to life in a solid and menacing style with beautiful instruments and bombastic percussion.

The full-length albums released by this group are always a treat and this maxi takes previous works a step beyond with these extras. Definitely a "must-have" for fans. Rating: 4.5/5

Not long after Unto Ashes released their last full-length album Empty Into White, they release a new Mcd entitled “I Cover You With Blood.” The record contains five previously unreleased songs and mixes as well as the original version on the song “I Cover You With Blood”, which is taken from the album Empty Into White. To mix old and new is something of a speciality for Unto Ashes. Traditional instruments and melodies are mixed with more modern ones and creates with this a really interesting sound. You could draw some parallels towards bands like Dead Can Dance, but Unto Ashes has really succeeded in creating an own and unique sound with their blend of neo-classic, ethereal and a large dose of beauty and gloomy harmony. The record begins with a re-mix of the beautiful song “I Cover You With Blood” and the main difference between the re-mix and the original version is that the programmed drums get a lot more space and gives therefore the song more of an electronic sound. The song doesn’t however in any way loose the harmony that can be found in the original version; the mix is basically really good. “Serve Me” is a song taken from the Saturn Return album; it’s a wonderful song and there isn’t anything to complain about regarding the re-mix. After the three first songs you get to hear two covers, the first one, “Funeral March For Queen Mary”, is written by Henry Purcell and is surely known to many as the theme song to “A Clockwork Orange”. UNTO ASHES has interpreted the song really well and the same goes for the next song, “Palestinalied”. The song is written by Walter vonder Vogelweide (1170 – 1230) and the medieval feeling is really strong on this song. The instruments that are being used are medieval and the atmosphere can’t be described, it must be experienced. The final song “Exeunt Reges” is an instrumental song and quite pompous, which is really a quite suitable end for this rather short, but really interesting journey.

This Mcd is a must have for fans of UNTO ASHES, but it’s also suitable as an appetiser for those who haven’t discovered this band yet. Get it and enjoy! - Janne