It is surprising to hear that the new album of Unto Ashes again is completely different from the previous recording. Less varied with regard to musical influences yet stronger in the songwriting department and effectively with more focus on the European branch of neofolk with some postpunk it results in more consistent album. Whether the contributions of guest musicians like Kim Larsen (Of the Wand and the Moon), Sonne Hagal and others or the recent tour with Qntal have made the difference, I don’t know but it is striking that The Blood of My Lady has a more distinct European character. ‘Who Has Seen the Wind’ has been written together with Sonne Hagal and this is an excellent neofolk song which reminds a bit of ‘Seeker’ by Blood Axis. Also the track ‘Vengeance’ has been written by Sonne Hagal. ‘Echoes in Den Wald’ touches the more frivol danceable pagan folk yet also reflects a darker essence which makes it resemble the music of Waldteufel, to name a reference. Another striking song is ‘I Will Lead You Down’ in which the postpunk influences get reflected and shines with a great chorus. This also goes for ‘For All My Broken Promises’. ‘The River and the Hawk’ has been sung by Kim Larsen together with Josie Smith and in atmosphere reflects the typical British psychedelic folk movement. ‘Fly on the Windscreen’ is a remarkable tasteful cover of Depeche Mode sung by Josie Smith and Michael Laird. This is excellent. The many tribute cd’s could take this as a lesson how it should be done. The title track is featured two times on the album, of which the second time Kim Larsen has done the vocals and added guitar play. It almost compares to Leonard Cohen. Michael Laird again manages to create an excellent and very enjoyable album with just stunning music. Unto Ashes starts to become a recommended band in the neofolk and darkwave genre of music.